Aleksandar Gjorchevski, the father of murdered Vanja Gjorchevska, testified in court today, answering questions posed by prosecutors. The prosecution’s line of questioning appears to be aimed at discrediting Gjorchevski and establishing his potential involvement in a conspiracy to extort money from Vanja’s mother.

During the hearing, Gjorchevski addressed the topic of his long-term unemployment, explaining that his wife, Zorica, worked because her salary was higher, allowing him to care for their children.

He was also asked about his academic performance as a student. Gjorchevski stated that he was a top student until the fifth grade, mentioning that he studied alongside Radmila Shekerinska. He noted that they were such exceptional students that there was talk of wanting to examine their brains. He admitted that his academic performance declined during his teenage years, and his father enrolled him in an economics-focused secondary school to facilitate future employment.

Previously, other suspects who have testified have denied any prior acquaintance with Aleksandar Gjorchevski, rejecting any connection between him and the kidnapping and murder of his daughter. Gjorchevski also stated in a previous hearing that he did not know the other suspects. He explained that he squints his eyes when they testify because he finds it unbearable to watch and listen to their accounts of what they did to his child.