Anti-Albanian chants in RMV, Kumanovo Prosecutor's Office launches investigations to see if there is a "possible criminal offense"

The Basic Public Prosecution Office in Kumanovo has launched investigations into the elements of a possible criminal offense, related to calls containing hate speech, following anti-Albanian chants made by unknown persons during a basketball match between North Macedonia and Romania, held in Kumanovo on August 2.

The match, which was part of the second pre-qualifying phase for the World Cup to be held in Qatar in 2027, was also attended by senior Macedonian government officials.

According to Albanian politicians in North Macedonia, chants such as "a good Albanian is a dead Albanian", "gas chamber for Albanians", and "clean Macedonia" were heard during this sporting event.

According to the latest population census, Albanians make up 24.3 percent of the total population of 1.8 million inhabitants.

The event has sparked reactions not only in North Macedonia, but also in Kosovo and Albania, countries with Albanian majorities.

North Macedonia's Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, who was present at the match, condemned the "nationalist and xenophobic chants" on Monday.

Speaking to the media, Mickoski said that, although he was in the hall during the match, he "did not notice" the fans' chants, claiming that it was "a small group of people."

"I want to use this opportunity to join in condemning nationalism and xenophobia – first for what happened during the basketball match between [North] Macedonia and Romania, and then to send a message to all fan groups: to support in a sporting manner, to support their team and the Macedonian national team," Mickoski said.