Today’s new sequel of revelation of illegal work by the government of FYROM, held in the headquarters of SDSM in Skopje, was focused on manipulation of ruling VMRO-DPMNE with media, especially with the public service MRT (“Macedonian” Radio Television). On the very start of the press-conference, held by opposition leader Zoran Zaev, a strong condemnation of the morbid threat (sending a funeral wreath at the home address) against opposition journalist Borjan Jovanovski was expressed.
In the presented set of conversations, Martin Protuѓer and Gordana Jankulovska (Minister of Interior), among other topics, decided to pull down a public add for employment of journalists in favor of directly employment of loyal “party soldiers”. Gordana Jankulovska said that she had a list of “suitable” persons for the employment of VMRO-DPMNE members in the public service which – it must be emphasized – is financed by all citizens. The control of MTV which was revealed was so all-pervading that even a “suitable” journalist for the position of sport commentator (!) was negotiated.
Martin Protuѓer intervened in the works of two private TV station owned by people from the rank of VMRO-DPMNE and their political allies, namely Kanal 5 as well as SITEL TV. Protuѓer personally asked for removal of a news report which was recalled earlier and which consisted of interview with FYROM’s former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Denko Maleski, who in the (unpublished) interview said that, in the context of the negotiations between Skopje and Athens, Greece has valid arguments and that some of the stances of present day policies of FYROM were hostile and irrational.
The conversation presented also included concrete interventions by government official to Dragan Pavlović Latas, the most fanatic defender of policies of VMRO-DPMNE, who has editorial functions in both SITEL TV and in the popular Večer daily newspaper. Pavlović – Latas blackmailed business people threatening that he will publish material against their reputation.
Zoran Zaev, in light to the acute news about security tension at the northern part of FYROM, said that this is attempt by the government to theatrically plans a limited conflict in order to divert attention of the public from revelation of criminal as well as non-ethical acts by the ruling VMRO-DPMNE.