Racist chants in North Macedonia: Investigation launched for hate speech against Albanians

The Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Kumanovo has launched an investigation into hate speech chants heard during the basketball game between North Macedonia and Romania on August 2. Chants such as “a good Albanian is a dead Albanian,” “gas chambers for Albanians,” and “pure Macedonia” have been widely condemned by politicians in North Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo.

The incident sparked strong reactions because high-ranking state officials were present in the arena, including Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, who condemned the hate speech but said he “did not hear” the chants.

Reactions have also come from Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, the Albanian Parliament and diplomatic corps, as well as Albanian political parties in North Macedonia, all calling for a thorough investigation and punishment of those responsible.

North Macedonia’s Criminal Code provides for imprisonment of up to five years for inciting ethnic or racial hatred. Albanian politicians in the region have described the incident as a “step backward in hate rhetoric” and have called for international involvement in monitoring such cases.

“KORÇA BOOM”