(PUBLIC STATEMENT)
By Xhabir Deralla
For more than two years, I was subjected to a politically motivated lawsuit initiated by Hristijan Mickoski – then opposition leader of VMRO-DPMNE, and now Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia. The lawsuit was over a text that was republished from other media. The process was led by his close associate and now Minister of Interior, Panche Toshkovski.
This is not an isolated case. Nor is it the only one. The strategy is always the same – to silence critical voices through institutional persecution.
Even before filing the lawsuit, Mickoski attacked me publicly on social media with slander and offensive language that incited hate speech and threats of assassination. These attacks not only damaged my personal and professional reputation, and the editorial teams I work with, but directly endangered my safety.
Such actions – both in public discourse and within institutions – are a direct attack on media freedom, freedom of expression, and the right to criticism in a democratic society. The abuse of institutions and the legal system to silence journalists and activists is a hallmark of authoritarianism, not democracy.
Despite the political pressure and attempts to intimidate me through a draining legal process, I remain firmly committed to truth, transparency, and democratic values. This case is not just about me. It is an attack on everyone who has the courage to speak out against injustice and hold power to account.
I call on the international community, domestic institutions, and all defenders of democracy to remain alert and vocal against such abuse of power. Silencing critical voices only deepens the crisis of democracy.
My commitment to defending freedom of expression, human rights, and democratic values is stronger than ever.
How can you help?
Share this statement. Start a conversation. Write or speak out about my case and all other cases of injustice and political pressure against journalists, intellectuals, and activists.
Speak up!
P.S. The Court of Appeals has just confirmed the verdict of the Basic Court in Skopje, ruling against me. With this, the justice system has effectively closed the case in favor of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and his close associate – lawyer and current Minister of Interior – Panche Toshkovski. This outcome further illustrates the deep entanglement between political power and judicial processes in the country.
