Skopje, 18 October 2023 (MIA) – Answers regarding the expiration of the statute of limitations for the “Target-Fortress” case as a result of the recently adopted Criminal Code amendments can only be given by those who worked on the case, according to Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski. In answer to journalist’s questions Wednesday, the PM said the amendments were adopted due to harmonization with European directives, and not because of certain multi-year court cases.

“I have never commented on court proceedings in the past. We are talking about a case launched in 2015, which has been in second-instance proceedings for almost three years now, however during those eight years it wasn’t concluded. So, I wouldn’t be able to give you any answers over the efficiency in terms of the conclusion or proceedings of the case, they can only be given by those who have worked on it, that’s the answer I can give you,” said Kovachevski.

Regarding the amendments to the Criminal Code, the PM said they were adopted due to harmonization with the European directives in the area of seizure of property and other areas, as well as, he said, certain articles which are being harmonized with the legislations of the EU member states.

“They were adopted due to harmonization, and not because of certain court cases which have been in proceedings for eight, nine, ten years etc., since based on that thesis it would mean that the statute of limitations shouldn’t expire on anything in our country and all proceedings could last 50, 60 years. However, the practice of the EU member states points to deadlines which offer efficiency to all parties in the process,” said Kovachevski.