Kiro Gligorov

In July 1997, the dispute over displaying Albanian and Turkish flags in Gostivar escalated into a police operation: three Albanians were killed and more than two hundred people injured according to US reports, while Human Rights Watch documented numerous abuses and extensively excessive use of force.

State of the evidence

Documented

The early years of Gligorov's presidency were dominated by the dispute with Greece over the state's name and national symbols, culminating in a Greek embargo in 1994. The 1995 Interim Accord led Skopje to change its flag and provide constitutional assurances in exchange for lifting the embargo and normalising relations.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

When Albanian activists established an Albanian-language university in Tetovo, the government declared it unlawful. During a police operation in February 1995, one Albanian was killed and several dozen people, including police officers, were injured. The incident intensified disputes over language and education rights during Gligorov's presidency.

State of the evidence

Documented

Gligorov was re-elected in 1994 in a vote whose second round was boycotted by the opposition, which alleged falsification and serious irregularities. International observers identified significant problems but generally considered the process valid.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Under President Kiro Gligorov, Macedonia held its September 1991 independence referendum and adopted a new constitution. Much of the Albanian population boycotted the referendum and challenged a constitutional framework they considered insufficiently protective of their collective status.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility