N. Macedonia: Corruption prosecutor held over graft scandal

SKOPJE, Macedonia – A special prosecutor in North Macedonia tasked with investigating corruption in high places has been detained for 30 days after being named as a suspect in a high-profile graft scandal.

Special prosecutor Katica Janeva was taken to a prison in the capital, Skopje, late Wednesday after a court ordered her detention, arguing that she might try to influence witnesses if she were free.

She stands accused, though not yet formally charged by a prosecutor, of abusing her authority and “gaining substantial benefit” in the form of property. She allegedly dropped corruption charges against a local businessman in exchange for payment.

She has denied wrongdoing.

Janeva’s office was created in 2015 as part of a crackdown on organized crime and corruption required under the country’s bid to join the European Union.