The authorities in North Macedonia discriminate against Ljupco Georgievski and violate EU principles and the right to association, which is a fundamental principle of democracy. The use of the “Jewish card” in the trial against the Macedonian Bulgarian is a political act, deeply insulting to the memory of the Jewish community. This is stated in the position of Rina Bakalova, chair of the Bulgarian Cultural Center in Israel, BGNES reported.

She is deeply puzzled by the indictment against Ljupco Georgievski, chair of the Bulgarian Cultural Center “Ivan Mihaylov” in Bitola. The indictment claims that the center was located in the former “Jewish neighborhood” and was opened on a Saturday. “I want to say that the place and time of the opening of the cultural center in no way affects the feelings of any Jewish community,” Bakalova pointed out.

Georgievski is accused of inciting racial and ethnic hatred and xenophobia for posting quotes from Ivan Mihaylov on the association's Facebook page. The case against the Bulgarian has been ongoing since 2023 and the verdict is expected at the end of May.

Editor: Ivo Ivanov

Publication in English: Al. Markov

Photo: BGNES