Struga, 3 June 2024 (MIA) — The trial of Struga Mayor Ramiz Merko over procuring an Audi vehicle with Struga Municipality money has been adjourned until July 8, MIA's Ohrid correspondent reports.

Ahead of the hearing scheduled for Monday, the defense submitted a request listing 68 pieces of evidence for the court to obtain ex officio because he had been unable to, he said. He also requested the main hearing be adjourned until then.

Merko's lawyer said the evidence on the list would help get Merko's criminal charges thrown out.

The judge presiding over the case, Nadica Mitreska, said the court would try to provide the evidence requested by the defense as soon as possible.

"Today's hearing was adjourned because the defense submitted an extensive list of evidence the court should consider and obtain some documents from the competent state institutions," Mitreska said.

"The court will make an effort, in the shortest possible amount of time, to provide the documents asked for by the defense. According to the principle of trial within a reasonable time and court efficiency, we expect the proceedings to end as quickly as possible while also honoring, of course, the rights of the defense," she said. mr/