Shkëndija-Qarabağ match marred by ‘Greater Albania’ flag incident

The Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Skopje said it has prosecuted in an urgent procedure a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany in connection with the incident that occurred on August 5, just before the football match between KF Shkëndija and Qarabağ FK, CE Report quotes MIA.

“The accused, by publicly displaying and waving a flag bearing the symbolism of ‘Greater Albania’ and the inscription ‘Autochthonous’, incited feelings of hate, discord and ethnic intolerance,” said the Prosecutor’s Office, adding that police officers witnessed the act and detained the German national.

The Prosecutor’s Office said based on the evidence provided, the Basic Criminal Court in Skopje immediately issued a verdict, sentencing the accused to a suspended prison sentence of two years which will not be enforced unless he commits another criminal offense within the next five years.

Since the accused is a German national, the Court also ruled to deport him and ban him from entering the country for five years.

They also noted that, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, they will continue coordinated efforts to identify and prosecute perpetrators of criminal acts related to the spread of hatred and intolerance at sporting events.

The Prosecutor’s Office said it is continuing coordinated activities with the Interior Ministry to identify and prosecute perpetrators of crimes related to spreading hate and intolerance at sporting events.