The North Macedonian Parliament’s consideration of a draft law on amnesty has stirred up disagreements between the Alliance for Albanians (ASH) and the Social Democratic Union (SDSM), despite unanimous government support from all coalition parties.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Oliver Spasovski, stated that “now is not the time to pass such a law” as it would not effectively reduce prison overcrowding. However, this position was contested by the proposer of the bill, Minister of Justice Krenar Lloga from the Alliance for Albanians.
In fact, Lloga characterized Spasovski’s statement as a “political campaign tactic for the presidential elections”, hinting at Spasovski’s potential bid for the North Macedonian presidency.
The draft law proposes the release of individuals sentenced to up to six months in prison, with those sentenced to over six months receiving a 30% reduction in their sentences.
Amnesty would not apply to individuals serving life sentences, those convicted of heinous crimes such as murder, rape, election fraud, public order offenses, actions against the state, abuse of official duty, or those convicted of domestic and gender-based violence.
However, the rejection of this proposal in Parliament could lead to a deepening of the government crisis, potentially resulting in the Alliance’s withdrawal from the government, as it is one of its key program points for joining the government.
Officially, the Alliance for Albanians has not commented on the disagreements with the SDSM, but they express confidence that their proposal will be approved in Parliament, viewing Spasovski’s stance as a personal one.
“I believe it is Spasovski’s personal opinion because the Government has passed it as a proposal, prepared by the Ministry of Justice. Therefore, since it has been approved by the Government, it is considered its decision. Mr. Spasovski is one of the Government members and could have contested it there, so I don’t think there will be a problem. We insist that this law be adopted,” said the chairman of the Alliance for Albanians, Arben Taravari.
Minister of Internal Affairs Oliver Spasovski argues that those benefiting from amnesty or released from prison would likely return due to facing other charges or undergoing trial for other offenses.
“It is my stance, and I stand by it, that this draft law will not have a significant impact on reducing prison overcrowding. Therefore, we need to consider an alternative strategy that focuses on creating better conditions. Those who have committed serious crimes, especially robbery and major theft, still pose a security risk,” Spasovski noted.
The friction between SDSM and ASH may intensify the parliamentary crisis, as North Macedonian opposition parties have threatened to leave Parliament if the proposal is expedited or passed using an “urgent” procedure. Additionally, they oppose any content that would reduce sentences for individuals convicted in the “Monster” case, involving the murder of five Macedonians in 2012.
Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski recently stated that if the proposal includes the release of individuals convicted in the “Monster” case, SDSM would propose amendments to alter the content of the proposal.
Meanwhile, North Macedonia’s prisons have faced severe criticism for their overcrowded conditions, inadequate food, and healthcare. These concerns have been raised by both the Ombudsman and various local and international organizations.
