Skopje, 15 September 2023 (MIA) — Тhe probe into the Oncology Clinic practices following media allegations that its staff were withholding life-saving medical care from cancer patients and reselling cancer drugs needs to be completed quickly and professionally, and no criminals will be pardoned, Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski said in an interview with Fokus.

Regarding the ongoing investigation, Spasovski said every effort was being made to gather as much evidence as possible. "We are working very intensely on this case to see what exactly was done and to find the perpetrators and accomplices," he told the weekly.

"Every crime, including this one, has to have a first name and a last name and those who directly participated will have to bear serious responsibility."

Spasovski added that people were being questioned "to provide additional information and based on this, we will take the next steps according to the public prosecution's instructions."

Asked about the duration of the probe, the interior minister said inspectors wanted to complete it as soon as possible "because it is important for the sake of the public and for the sake of all of us to finish this case as quickly as possible." However, he added, it was more important that the investigation be conducted professionally.

"I think the quality of the collected evidence accurately pinpointing those who are guilty is more important at this moment, although the dynamics are also seriously important for us," Spasovski said.

Asked if any preferential treatment was likely, he said there would be no pardoning anyone. He added there were no "small or big fish" criminals.

"A criminal is a criminal. Do you think that an office holder is less of a criminal or more of a criminal than any ordinary member of the public? Anyone who commits a crime is a criminal and everyone should be held accountable," the interior minister said.

"Anyone involved in this case must be held accountable, regardless of how high they are in the state hierarchy," he said.

"Whoever was part of this and gave directions, approvals, etc., will be held accountable, come hell or high water!

"Still, it is important to collect all the evidence and on the basis of this evidence to hold them accountable.

"There will be no pardoning, be they politicians or office holders, or from this party or that party.

"I am not at all interested in parties or anything else except determining what is in the public interest," Spasovski said. mr/