Skopje, 10 December 2024 (MIA) - Putting any judge on the United States blacklist is a serious blow to the reputation of the official, said the Association of Judges on Tuesday regarding the latest names designated for significant corruption, including Appellate Court judge Enver Bexheti.

Considering the significance of ethical conduct and integrity of judges, which must be unparalleled and in line with the country's laws and Constitution, but also in compliance with international legislation and recommendations by the EU and the US as our strategic partners, we urge for swift resolution of the case, for the purpose of maintaining the independence and integrity of the judiciary in the country, the association said in a press release.

The U.S. State Department has designated former deputy prime minister Artan Grubi and Appellate Court judge Enver Bexheti for involvement in significant corruption. The State Department said Grubi and Bexheti had accepted bribes to undermine judicial processes tied to the criminal conviction of Sasho Mijalkov, director of North Macedonia’s Administration for Security and Counterintelligence (UBK).

“Mijalkov was designated in 2022 for significant corruption under Section 7031(c), and OFAC sanctioned him pursuant to E.O. 14033. As part of this action, Grubi’s immediate family members are also designated,” said the press release.

MIA file photo