CIVIL and other human rights organizations have recorded one more difficult year for the Republic of Macedonia. Human rights violations, discrimination and violence took place throughout the whole year. Electoral fraud, structural violence, ethnic tensions, and total media control may very well describe the passing year. The government continued its policies and practices that undermine human rights and freedoms, democracy and rule of law. There are dozens of political prisoners, including one journalist. The list goes on.

Yet, we all witnessed the birth of hope. The end of 2014 will be remembered by the awakening of the student population in the country. Students and progressive citizens took the streets. Despite all media manipulations and stigmatization, defying pressure and threats, there was a massive display of dissatisfaction and revolt against the manipulative and oppressive government. Series of other pro-democratic protests were organized by civil society organizations and civic initiatives. They all marked the beginning of the democratic spring in December 2014.

HERE’S TO A HAPPY NEW YEAR OF DEMOCRACY!