CPJ, partners urge North Macedonia authorities to stop harassment of journalist Furkan Saliu

The Committee to Protect Journalists joined calls urging North Macedonia authorities in a May 3 letter to end the ongoing harassment of journalist Furkan Saliu and his colleagues.

The letter, also signed by 10 other groups, including international and regional press freedom organizations, requests that Minister for Internal Affairs Pance Toskovski refrain from publicly commenting on Saliu’s case until “an official investigation has been conducted,” as his prior comments may have put “undue pressure on police investigating the case.”

According to a CPJ report, Saliu was arrested about 27 miles (45 kilometers) northeast of the capital Skopje, shortly after he filmed police breaking up a fight between rival fans at a football match. Police claimed that the journalist attacked them, which Saliu denied. 

Authorities have rejected a complaint filed against the police by Saliu and independent local press freedom groups.

Read the full statement here.