Skopje, 26 July 2024 (MIA) – The Skopje-based Criminal Court has postponed the hearing on the double kidnapping and brutal murder of 14-year-old Vanja Gjorchevska and 74-year-old Panche Zhezhovski.

The decision to postpone the hearing, which was originally scheduled for July 30, comes after a request from the Public Prosecutor’s Office which said on Thursday that it will propose merging of the trials of all defendants for the double murder, including the prime suspect Ljupcho Palevski regarding whom the investigation was completed yesterday, the Criminal Court said in a press release. 

The court adds that given the proposal of the Prosecutor's Office, and in the best interests of economy and efficiency of the procedure, the court has revoked the orders for the defendants who are serving detention and house arrest, while the Judicial Council, in accordance with the defense, will schedule a new date for the start of the main hearing, regarding which the parties and the public will be duly notified.

The prosecution also informed on Thursday that the investigation into another man suspected for aiding in committing the crime has been completed. He will be tried in a separate trial.

Photo: MIA archive