Thursday’s hearing in the Thaler 1 trial, which concerns illegal financing of VMRO-DPMNE, was postponed. Kiril Bozhinovski, former Secretary of the party, as well as former officials Ilija Dimovski, Leko Ristovski, and Mile Janakieski are charged in the case as well.
The defense has sought the recusal of Prosecutor Lenche Ristoska because they consider that her conflicts with the party affect her impartiality.
Last week, Ristoska filed a defamation lawsuit against the party and submitted a petition against PM Mickoski before the Council of Public Prosecutors over comments made by him. Though she maintains her actions are impartial, she’s asked the Prosecutor General’s Office to voice a stand. However, it is yet to do so.
Ristoska pointed out that she was not surprised considering a recusal request had been filed for the third time. She believes it’s obvious the defendants don’t want her to be the prosecutor in the case.