Reactions to arrest of SPO Head Katica Janeva

The Government of Macedonia, through their Spokesperson Muhamed Hoxha, states that the arrest of the Head of the Special Public Prosecution (SPO) Katica Janeva is one more proof that the legal system in Macedonia is functioning properly. “The final result of the investigation must be based on evidence, and in accordance with the laws applied in our country. Everyone involved in criminal activities, everyone involved in the “Racketeering” case must face responsibility and consequences for their actions. What we see today and in the past weeks is the result of the liberation of the judicial system from the political pressures which were a real challenge in the previous years. We expect all judicial institutions, including SPO, to work properly, independently and transparently in the struggle against crime and corruption,” Hoxha underlined, adding that the government does not believe “Racketeering” case can obstruct the integration of Macedonia in EU and NATO. A similar reaction was issued by SDSM, from where they state that the legal state is functioning properly and dealing with those that have committed crimes. “SDSM encourages all institutions to proceed with transparent and independent struggle against crime and corruption. We hope investigations will proceed and that all criminal cases, including this one, will be properly resolved, and the perpetrators will face justice,” said Kostadin Kostadinov from SDSM. In a statement for TV21, Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov said that the investigation over this case should be thorough and independent having in mind the importance of this case for the state, but does not believe that it will affect the integration of Macedonia in NATO and EU. From VMRO-DPMNE they state that the Wednesday’s arrest is the end of the professional career of Janeva as prosecutor in Macedonia. “Janeva was supposed to be arrested the very first day the Public Prosecution revealed the investigation over the “Racketeering” case. Janeva inflicted major shame to the justice and the institutions of justice in Macedonia, and let down all the citizens, as well as international politicians, that invested their faith in her. Besides this, the claims of the Public prosecution for Organised Crime (PPOC) that out of 8 million euros in question in this case she gained only around 5,000 euros is scandalous,” said Dimce Arsovski from VMRO-DPMNE.