In response to the September case of police brutality against Roma from Bitola, we demanded the strictest disciplinary responsibility for the police officers involved and the initiation of criminal proceedings. Following the investigation, the Internal Control Department informed us on 25 September 2020 that it had filed criminal charges against police officer G.P. on suspicion of having committed the crime "Harassment in the performance of duty".
Unfortunately, the quick reaction of the control mechanisms of the Ministry of Interior in this case did not mean the end of the unprofessional behavior of police officers in Bitola towards members of the Roma community. On the contrary, less than a month after this event, a new case appeared with indications of police brutality against an elderly Roma woman and her son, with elements of revanchism by the police. We encourage the Ministry of Interior to continue with sanctions against its non-professional members, but also to work on preventing racial profiling and brutal treatment of the marginalized in our society.
