Femicide in Republic of North Macedonia (Legislative, criminological and sentencing policy aspects)

• In Event: Gender in criminal law and policy: Europe-wide perspectives

Abstract

Femicide is a growing issue in the Republic of North Macedonia, reflecting broader global patterns of violence against women. In March 2023 the Criminal Code was amended and femicide was criminalized, due to the accepted obligations following from the Istanbul Convention. This novelty established that femicide is a qualified form of murder that includes the killing of a woman or a girl under the age of 18 in the context of gender-based violence. The prescribed sentence is at least 10 years of imprisonment, with the possibility of imposing life imprisonment. These legislative amendments have been positively evaluated in the first GREVIO Baseline Evaluation Report for North Macedonia.
Authors elaborate that in most cases femicides have resulted from long-term domestic abuse by an intimate partner. The adoption of the Programme for reintegration of victims of domestic violence in 2024 is expected to add up to the measure for prevention of gender-based homicides. According to the relevant institutions, there have been about 20 femicide cases from 2019-2022. The number is gradually increasing, but the sentencing policy is becoming more strict and higher sentenced are imposed lately.
However, the systemic distrust of the victims, results in a low number of reported cases. Authors also explore the prevalence and causes of the recorded court femicide cases in North Macedonia. They use an analytical approach to develop the most suitable suggestions for improvement of the current situation, offering tangible and measurable interventions both into the legal framework and on institutional level.

Authors

• Aleksandra Gruevska Drakulevski, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Iustinianus Primus Law Faculty in Skopje

• Aleksandra Deanoska Trendafilova, Professor, University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Faculty of Law "Iustinianus Primus" - Skopje

• Boban Misoski, Misoski, Faculty of Law "Iustinianus Primus" Skopje