Stevcho Jakimovski, the mayor of the Municipality of Karposh, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison by the Basic Criminal Court Skopje in connection with the construction of the Municipality’s administrative building.

Jakimovski expressed surprise at the verdict and claims it is politically motivated. He announced that he will appeal the decision to the Appellate Court.

According to Jakimovski, the conviction stems from the legalization of two prefabricated and demountable barracks made of gypsum board, which he says were built in accordance with all standards. He argues that criminal proceedings cannot be initiated for temporary structures.

He further stated that the Prosecutor’s Office presented a forgery as evidence, which was proven by expertise, but the court disregarded this evidence. Jakimovski maintains his innocence and asserts that there is no evidence to support the verdict against him.