BDI Candidate Attacked in Kumanovo
Zekirija Shaini, a prominent candidate for the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) in North Macedonia, was shot in an ambush on Tuesday, October 7th, in the city of Kumanovo. The incident occurred on a street behind the Kumanovo Municipality building, at the intersection of Dimitrije Tuçović and Oktomvri 11 streets. Shaini, 43, who is the top candidate for the BDI council list in Likovo for the upcoming local elections on October 19th, sustained three gunshot wounds to his legs. He was immediately transported to a hospital in Kumanovo, where his condition is reported as stable and not life-threatening.
Investigation Underway
Authorities in North Macedonia have launched a comprehensive investigation into the shooting. Witnesses reported that masked assailants in a moving car carried out the attack, with the gunman fleeing the scene quickly. Police and a specialized investigative team are actively working to reconstruct the sequence of events and apprehend the perpetrators. Two prosecutors from the Kumanovo Basic Prosecutor's Office are leading the inquiry, collecting traces and material evidence.
While initial indications from the Public Prosecutor's Office suggest the incident may not have political motives, all circumstances surrounding the ambush are being thoroughly investigated. One person has reportedly been detained in connection with the shooting, though the primary attacker remains at large.
Party Condemnation and Call for Calm
The Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) swiftly condemned the attack on their candidate, describing it as a 'barbaric act of violence.' In response, the party announced the suspension of all its public activities for the day as a sign of solidarity with Shaini. The BDI issued a strong call to national authorities, demanding that the Ministry of Interior and the Public Prosecutor's Office act 'immediately, with full transparency and determination, to identify, arrest, and bring to justice those behind this assassination attempt.'
The party also appealed to its supporters and the wider citizenry to maintain calm and avoid provocations, urging trust in law enforcement to resolve the case. The incident has raised concerns about political tensions and interethnic stability in North Macedonia, particularly ahead of the local elections.
8 Comments
Rotfront
This 'call for calm' feels more like a tactic to deflect from deeper issues. They all play the victim.
Comandante
Not political? Seriously? This is election season, everything is political. Don't insult our intelligence.
Africa
BDI condemning violence while conveniently ignoring their own history of rhetoric. Typical political theater.
Coccinella
Thank goodness he's okay. This is a stark reminder of how fragile peace can be, especially near elections.
Muchacho
The focus on a swift investigation is crucial, but past experiences suggest that politically charged cases can often get mired in bureaucracy or even cover-ups. True justice requires unwavering commitment from all state institutions, not just initial statements.
paracelsus
An attack on one candidate is an attack on democracy itself. We need full transparency in this investigation.
eliphas
While any act of violence against a political figure is deplorable, the claim of non-political motives seems premature given the timing and context of the upcoming elections. A deeper look into local power struggles is warranted.
anubis
It's a relief that Shaini's injuries are not life-threatening, and the call for peace is important. However, this event underscores a worrying trend of political intimidation that could deter future candidates and erode public trust in the democratic process.