The trial of Gjoko Ristov, a judge from the Court of Appeals, commenced at the Basic Criminal Court in Skopje. Ristov faces accusations related to the discovery of 350,000 euros hidden within a wall of his family residence in Negotina. At the outset of the hearing, Ristov stated that he does not feel guilty regarding the charges brought against him.
The indictment alleges that the undeclared and unregistered money was found at his parents’ house, packaged into thirteen separate bundles and concealed within the kitchen wall. The prosecution maintains that these funds lack legal provenance and were deliberately hidden. The case stems from an investigation involving former state prosecutor and lawyer Fehmi Stafa, who was previously detained while accepting 50,000 euros.
During the related proceedings, Stafa claimed that the money in question was intended for mediation with Judge Ristov. The court proceedings are currently focused on establishing the legal origin and circumstances surrounding the discovery of the substantial sum of money hidden in the wall. The testimony and evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense continue to define the scope of the charges against Judge Ristov.
Topics: #ristov #wall #judge
A judge being tried over hidden cash raises serious questions about oversight.
What was the basis of the judge’s denial regarding the 350,000 euros found in the wall?