Macedonia’s media regulator AVMU condemned the threat with law suits issued by Dragi Raskovski, the Government Secretary General, against media outlets who reported on the corruption allegations raised against him.

Public officials need to accept that they are subject to public oversight and criticism, especially by the media, who act in a way that is necessary to ensure transparency and responsible execution of the public office, AVMU said in a press release, adding that “an office holder can ask for a correction or for the right to respond to an information that is presented, before opting to begin lawsuits against journalists and media outlets”.

A leaked audio tape of Raskovski reveals him discussing a major procurement contract, including who will win it, and using a series of racial slurs in the process. He responded today with a lengthy press conference, during which he threatened to sue the media outlets, but also journalists and even ordinary citizens who discussed the issue on the social media.