CIVIL expresses its disgust and most strongly condemns the brutal act, calls for zero tolerance for violence

An extremely disturbing video has appeared on the social networks that the media have shown, in which verbal and physical torture of a girl from Stip is documented. In the video that the bullies themselves have recorded, they are seen first attacking her verbally and then brutally beating her, hitting her in the face, pulling her by the hair, pushing her to the concrete floor and fiercely hitting and kicking her.

CIVIL expresses its utmost disgust and most strongly condemns this brutal act of violence. The prosecution authorities have reacted quickly following this horrible act was published, but the reaction must not stop here. CIVIL demands from all relevant institutions to immediately take measures for sanctioning and preventing such senseless violence. The organization calls for introduction of the principle of zero tolerance for violence against women and girls and any kind of cruel and inhumane treatment of anyone.

This monstrous example of physical tormenting and torture of this victim is a symptom of the still present gender-based violence in our country. In many cases, violence is left unreported and unsanctioned. The recent practice of impunity for perpetrators, which was especially characteristic during VMRO-DPMNE’s rule and of their satellites, additionally discourages victims from reporting violence to the police and from seeking protection, due to fear of vengeance and distrust in the institutions. That was a time when, through public appearances, policies and practices, including through the education system, the media and culture, values were promoted and propagated that degrade human rights and freedoms as a whole, and particularly the role and position of women in the family and society. It was a time of encouraging and protecting offenders.

In a time of crisis and a crisis situation as the one we are currently facing of a health character, many factors contribute to increasing the risks and vulnerability of citizens, especially of women. This must not be allowed!

Nothing can any longer be an excuse for the institutions of the system not to respond. Such a practice should remain in the dark past, so that the democratic and professional capacities of the institutions be restored and start functioning, be practiced, fostered and for universal, European and fundamental human rights values to be uncompromisingly implemented, without any discrimination.

CIVIL urges for the video not to be shared on the social networks, and for the media to take all measures for protection of the identity and dignity of the victim in their reporting on the case, who has to be protected from further stigmatization.