The US Department of State has declared "non-women" for corruption several officials and former high officials in North Macedonia and Kosovo, among them the former chief prosecutor Tatica Janeva.
DASH says that the other official from North Macedonia included in the "black list" is the current mayor of Karposh, Stevco Jakimovski.
While in Kosovo, Xhabir Zharku, the former mayor of Kaçanik, has been declared "non-women". The latter, as the mayor of the municipality of Kaçanik, had given himself permission for the construction of residential and business buildings in 2008.
Full DASH announcement:
Today, the US Department of State announces (non-women) the former special chief prosecutor of North Macedonia, Katica Janeva; the current mayor of Karposh, North Macedonia, Stevco Jakimovski; and the former president of Kaçanik of Kosovo, Xhabir Zharku. Their actions undermined the rule of law and public confidence in the democratic institutions and public processes of their respective governments.
In her official capacity as the former special chief prosecutor of North Macedonia, Janeva was involved in corrupt acts, including using her political influence and official power for personal gain. There is reliable information that Janeva has requested and accepted bribes to influence a prosecution under her jurisdiction.
In his official capacity as mayor of the municipality of Karpoš, North Macedonia, Jakimovski engaged in corrupt acts, including using his official position to interfere in urban development and procurement processes to benefit himself and his associates.
In his official capacity as mayor of the municipality of Kaçanik, Kosovo, Zharku was involved in acts of corruption, including using his position to interfere with procurement processes to illegally allow construction on property owned by the municipality. , to benefit himself and his associates.
These designations reaffirm the US commitment to supporting the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions throughout the Balkans. The Department will continue to use all available authorities to promote accountability for corrupt actors in the region and globally.