North Macedonia prosecutor dismissed over corruption scandal

SKOPJE, Macedonia – Lawmakers in North Macedonia have dismissed a special prosecutor tasked with investigating high-level corruption who herself has been detained under suspicion of involvement in a high-profile graft scandal.

All 102 lawmakers present at the session in the 120-member parliament voted Saturday to relieve Special Prosecutor Katica Janeva of her post.

Janeva’s office was created in 2015 as part of a crackdown on organized crime and corruption under the country’s bid to join the European Union.

Although not yet formally charged, Janeva is accused of abusing her authority and “gaining substantial benefit” in the form of property from her alleged involvement in an extortion scandal to drop corruption charges against a local businessman in exchange for payment.

Janeva, who has been in custody since August, has denied wrongdoing.