Kumanovo, August 3, 2025 — The Basic Public Prosecution Office in Kumanovo has opened an investigation into possible criminal offenses related to hate speech following the use of anti-Albanian chants by unidentified individuals during a basketball match between North Macedonia and Romania held on August 2.
The game, part of the second pre-qualifying round for the 2027 Basketball World Cup in Qatar, took place in Kumanovo and was attended by high-ranking government officials of North Macedonia.
During the match, disturbing slogans were reportedly shouted, including:
“A good Albanian is a dead Albanian”
“Gas chambers for Albanians”
“Clean Macedonia”
These hate-filled expressions sparked outrage among the Albanian political community in North Macedonia and across the region. According to the latest census, Albanians comprise 24.3% of the country’s 1.8 million citizens, making them the largest ethnic minority.
The Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, who was present at the match, publicly condemned the nationalist and xenophobic chants on Monday. Speaking to media, Mickoski stated that although he was in attendance, he “did not notice” the chants and claimed they came from “a small group of individuals.”
“I want to use this moment to condemn nationalism and xenophobia — first and foremost what occurred during the basketball match between North Macedonia and Romania. Secondly, to send a clear message to all fan groups: support your teams sportingly, support the national team of Macedonia,” Mickoski declared.
The incident has triggered sharp reactions in Kosovo and Albania, where many view the slogans as a direct attack on the Albanian community and a reflection of underlying ethnic tensions in the country.
The Prosecution in Kumanovo stated it is assessing whether the chants constitute hate speech or incitement to violence, which are prosecutable offenses under North Macedonia’s Criminal Code.
