Following information on serious accusations against Macedonian opposition leader Zoran Zaev and three more people, EU recalls a need to respect their rights, including presumption of innocence, urging that the international standards are met in the investigation, the spokesperson Maja Kocijancic said in a statement.
“We have been informed by the Foreign Ministry in Skopje about details regarding the accusations against four people, including Zoran Zaev, Zoran Verusevski and his wife. Charges reportedly concern espionage and violent threats aimed at Government officials with the goal of undermining the constitutional order.
These are very serious charges and we recall the inalienable right for an independent and transparent investigation in case of any alleged wrongdoing, with full respect of the rights of the defendants in accordance with the law and international standards, including the principle of presumption of innocence.
The EU also reiterates its concern about the deterioration in political dialogue in the country. Political parties must refrain from actions which would further undermine the situation”, Kocijancic said in the statement.
