OSCE Mission to Skopje expresses concern over yesterday’s protests in Skopje

The Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Ralf Breth, expressed concerns over yesterday’s protests in front of the government building in Skopje.

“The right to peacefully gather and protest is a constitutionally guaranteed right of all citizens in the country. However, such protests should not be marred by violence,” said Breth.

“Each citizen should be able to freely express their opinion and should do so in a peaceful and responsible manner and the security forces should be able to do their job and ensure that public order and safety are maintained. However, the police should act in a professional and appropriate manner, with full respect for the individual rights of the participants in the protest,” he added.

“I call on the authorities and political actors, as well as citizens, to act responsibly and to refrain from violence,” said Breth.