To protest is a democratic right but composure, reservation and reason is needed to avoid violence and division. These are the messages that President Gjorgje Ivanov, parties and experts sent on Wednesday as result of the announcements that protests in several cities in the country against police action “Monster” will be held after Friday’s prayer in mosques. According to announcements posted on social networks, the protests against the arrest of the group of followers of radical Islamism who are suspected of being involved in the multiple murders in Smilkovci are planned to be staged in Gostivar, Kumanovo, Tetovo, Kicevo, Debar and Struga. Meanwhile, a counter-protest is announced that should be held Saturday at 13:00 outside the Government. It is announced that this protest will demand spreading of radical Islamism to be prevented and the participants are asked not to cause any incidents. The organizers of both protests are unknown but they caused disturbance in the country. None of the protests have been reported to the police but this does not mean that the Ministry of Interior will not undertake all security measures.

“The last protest held in Skopje was not reported either. However, we will undertake all measures and monitor what is happening on the field,” said Ivo Kotevski, Ministry of Interior spokesperson.