SKOPJE – A Bulgarian citizen residing in North Macedonia claims he was assaulted by two police officers in Skopje, reportedly due to his Bulgarian identity and outspoken self-determination.
Borche Natsevski, a Bulgarian citizen, reported the incident after an altercation that allegedly escalated at the hands of law enforcement. The incident has drawn concern from both Bulgarian authorities and human rights groups, who regard it as an apparent violation of Natsevski’s rights.
The incident occurred on Friday evening in the Kapishtets district, a residential area in Skopje, where Natsevski had a dispute with a neighbor over his Bulgarian nationality.
Following the argument, Natsevski called the police, as evidenced by a photo of his phone, hoping to mediate the situation.
However, upon arrival, the police allegedly took a confrontational stance against Natsevski, claiming he appeared intoxicated. He was subsequently taken to the Beko police station, despite reportedly not exhibiting signs of inebriation.
At the police station, Natsevski reported encountering two officers, identified as Philip and H. Khalili, who allegedly subjected him to physical abuse while in custody.
He was released a few hours later, bearing visible injuries yet facing no formal charges. Reports indicate he was advised by police officers to conceal his injuries and was warned to temporarily leave for Bulgaria to avoid “further complications.”
The incident was publicly disclosed by Viktor Stoyanov, chairman of the Macedonia Foundation, who posted about the case on social media.
Stoyanov has pledged support for Natsevski, who now plans to file legal action against both the police officers involved and the North Macedonian state.
In a Facebook post, Stoyanov condemned the incident as yet another case of violence against Bulgarians in North Macedonia, purportedly instigated by state officials.
Following the incident, Natsevski met with Dimitar Grozdanov, the Bulgarian consul in Skopje, to discuss the next steps.
The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed its awareness of the situation, noting that it has initiated communication with Natsevski and is closely monitoring developments.
A spokesperson from the Bulgarian embassy stated that they had received information from a dual citizen alleging that police officers overstepped their authority during what was described as a routine response to a domestic dispute.
Legal experts suggest that Natsevski’s case may underscore ongoing ethnic tensions between Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
Both countries have been at odds over issues of national identity, minority rights, and historical interpretations, with sporadic reports of discrimination against individuals expressing Bulgarian identity within North Macedonia.
Natsevski has expressed determination to seek justice, intending to file a formal complaint with Skopje’s Main Public Prosecution.
The Macedonia Foundation has indicated it will offer full legal support for Natsevski’s case, emphasizing the need for accountability and protection of ethnic Bulgarians’ rights in North Macedonia.
This incident has raised concerns within the Bulgarian community, who view it as part of a broader pattern of hostility toward ethnic Bulgarians in North Macedonia.
Both the Bulgarian embassy and the Macedonia Foundation have urged North Macedonian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the conduct of the police officers involved, calling for transparency and fair treatment for Natsevski.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bulgaria has reiterated its commitment to following up on the case, underscoring the importance of diplomatic support for Bulgarian citizens abroad who face potential discrimination or abuse.