Analysis of the implementation of legislation on hate crimes and criminalized hate speech in the Republic of North Macedonia for the period from January 2019 to June 2024

The 2019 amendments to the Criminal Code, introducing the definition of hate crime and recognizing hatred as an aggravating circumstance when perpetrating criminal offenses, marked a significant step toward stronger protection against hate-motivated incidents.

This analysis assesses the effectiveness and relevance of hate crime and hate speech legislation in North Macedonia in the period between January 2019 and June 2024, a 5-year span. It examines how these laws are implemented by law enforcement and the judiciary, identifies key gaps, and offers recommendations for improvement.  Using a mixed-method approach, the analysis draws on quantitative data from over 50 institutions, including 78 indictments and court decisions (64 identified as hate crimes), alongside legal analysis. While the legislation provides a solid framework, the analysis reveals challenges in consistent enforcement, case identification, and institutional coordination. The Analysis points out what’s functioning and what needs improvement, offering clear steps to make hate crime laws more effective and protect those at risk better.