What happened: Two migrants at Tabanovce ware robbed by an armed group of unknown perpetrators
that threaten them with guns and knives. The assailants took all of their personal belongings and
money. The incident was witnessed by an observer from the MHC that was on the scene.
Date, time and location of the incident: November 1st, 22:00hrs, at Tabanovce border crossing area.
Source of information: Observer from the MHC.
Victim(s) involved: Two migrants of unknown ethnic origin.
Type of the crime(s): Robbery (Art.237 CCRM).
Perpetrator(s): Two unknown perpetrators.
Brief description of incident with bias indicators: In this incident, the bias motive is the ethnic origin,
citizenship or language, and the bias indicators are:
1. Difference in ethnic background– the ethnic background of the perpetrators and the victim differ;
the victim is a member of a group (foreign migrant) that is overwhelmingly outnumbered by members
of another group (Macedonian population) in the area where the incident occurred;
2. Pattern of previous incidents – this incident is the latest of a growing trend of robberies and assaults
against migrants.
Status of the case: Incident was reported to the local authorities.
Response of local authorities: Answering upon a Request for information of public character, the
Ministry of Interior Affairs (MOI) answered that they have undertaking the necessary measures for
clarifi cation of the case, and that they have determined that the event took place behind the border line
of RM, into territory of Republic of Serbia, and therefore, the MOI doesn’t have jurisdiction in the case.
Impact on the victim(s) and the community: This incident puts into question the safety of migrants
entering and passing through the country.
