The Ministry of Internal Affairs of North Macedonia has announced that one person has been arrested and several others interviewed in connection with anti‑Albanian chants at the basketball match on August 2 between North Macedonia and Romania in Kumanovo.
Chants heard during the game included “Clean Macedonia”, “A good Albanian is a dead Albanian”, and “Gas chambers for Albanians”—echoing Nazi‑style rhetoric. These were reportedly made in the presence of high-ranking officials including Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Kumanovo Mayor Maksim Dimitrievski, Interior Minister Pančo Toshkovski, and Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Stoilković.
According to the Ministry, the arrested individual—identified as S.M. (age 30) from Kumanovo—is suspected of attempting to display a disrespectful banner during halftime. After official interviews and a coordinated analysis with the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Kumanovo, legal measures and criminal charges are expected.
Authorities emphasized that they will enforce public order with zero tolerance for hate speech, especially those based on national, ethnic, or religious affiliation:
“Only honest and respectful sports chants deserve our support.
A2 News reported that members of the “Kumani” fan group were among those interviewed; however, the group has publicly denied involvement.
Reactions From Institutions and Beyond
- FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, has launched an open investigation into the incident. It condemned the chants unreservedly and affirmed its commitment to fostering a respectful environment for teams and fans.
- Prime Minister Mickoski condemned the behavior, stating the chants came from a “small group of individuals,” and declared that sanctions and investigations will follow.
- The Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) demanded the resignations of Deputy Ministers Astrit Iseni and Safije Sadiki Shaini and called for swift political accountability.
- President Vjosa Osmani of Kosovo labeled the chants as violations of coexistence and mutual respect, urging immediate action from North Macedonian institutions.
- The Kosovo Olympic Committee issued a statement on Facebook denouncing the chants and calling for concrete measures against hate speech, reaffirming the values of solidarity and respect in sports.
- Albania’s Ambassador to North Macedonia, Denion Meidani, described the chants as a wake-up call and called for “clear, firm, and responsible” reactions from North Macedonian authorities.
Legal Framework
Under North Macedonia’s Criminal Code, Article 319 stipulates that hate speech and public incitement to ethnic hatred carries a penalty of 1 to 5 years’ imprisonment. The Kumanovo Prosecutor’s Office has already issued instructions to secure surveillance footage and identify suspects.
