Skopje police fine woman for throwing waste into Lepenec River

North Macedonian police have identified and sanctioned a 38-year-old woman from Skopje after video footage circulated on social media showing her throwing waste from a Porsche into the Lepenec River. The incident occurred near the Skupi Street bridge, close to where the Lepenec flows into the Vardar River.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that the individual, identified as M.I.B., was summoned to the Karposh police station for an official interview. Authorities issued a fine for violating the Law on Public Cleanliness by disposing of packaging outside of designated areas. Additionally, a fine was issued for illegal parking on a roadway under the Law on Road Traffic Safety.

The incident has sparked public debate regarding the adequacy of current environmental penalties. Citizens on social media have called for stricter sanctions, including higher fines and mandatory community service, suggesting amendments to the Law on Public Cleanliness and the Law on Waste Management to create a stronger deterrent.