Thousands of citizens took to the streets of Skopje and Negotino demanding justice for 22-year-old Frosina Kulakova, a young fashion designer who was fatally hit by a car while crossing a pedestrian lane. The incident has sparked outrage over road safety and the accountability of judicial institutions.
Kulakova was struck by a vehicle driven by a 20-year-old man, identified as Vasili Jovanov, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and did not possess a valid driver’s license. Protesters, including students and human rights activists, have called for stricter penalties for reckless driving and systemic reforms to address impunity.
“This is not just an accident—it is a result of a failed system,” said Kulakova’s father, urging authorities to take responsibility for what he called a preventable tragedy.
Demonstrations took place at key locations, including the Parliament, the Criminal Court, and the site of the accident, with protesters chanting “Justice for Frosina” and carrying signs reading “Connections won’t bring back lives” and “Enough with impunity.” Some called the killing “murder by negligence.”
Authorities have detained Jovanov for 30 days pending an investigation. The public prosecutor’s office confirmed that he had prior legal issues related to drug trafficking.
Minister of Justice Igor Filkov expressed condolences to Kulakova’s family and pledged “urgent legal reforms” to address concerns over judicial leniency. Meanwhile, opposition MP Bojan Stojanovski announced plans to introduce legislative changes increasing penalties for traffic-related crimes.
The protests have reignited debates over traffic safety in North Macedonia, where official figures indicate around 30 pedestrians die and over 750 are injured in road accidents each year.
As candlelight vigils continue in memory of Kulakova, civil rights organizations, including the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights, have called on authorities to “put an end to the culture of impunity before more lives are lost.”