The reaction of North Macedonia’s Minister of Local Self-Government, Ivan Stoillković, to the damage caused to the entrance of the “Sërpski Vez” cultural association in Kumanovo has drawn criticism. He was asked to explain why he had not taken the same stance in cases involving graffiti and calls against Albanians.
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Stoillković was among the first officials to express concern over the graffiti on the premises of the Serbian cultural association in Kumanovo. However, when speaking to the media, he did not give a direct answer about his stance on other cases of hate speech, including calls against Albanians in public spaces and sports venues.
The issue of his failure to respond earlier to such incidents was raised with the minister by Alsat journalist Zekirija Haxhiu.
Stoillković replied: “Once again, I ask you to contact the ministry, contact me. You will receive answers to anything that interests you.”
When asked specifically whether he had responded to incidents in which calls against Albanians had been heard, the minister said: “I have always responded. Let us not spoil such an event with secondary issues.”
In the past, Stoillković also served as minister for Relations Between Communities. According to his critics, during that period he did not comment publicly on many cases of hate speech against Albanians, particularly those reported in stadiums and public places.
Several incidents involving offensive graffiti and calls directed against Albanians have been recorded in North Macedonia, including slogans with extremist content. The institutions have stated that they will take action, but critics claim that in many cases the perpetrators have not faced concrete punishment.
The controversy following Stoillković’s statements has once again brought attention to the debate over selective responses to hate speech, as well as the obligation of institutions to address every manifestation of discrimination equally.
