Civil unrest and minor-led violence in Tetovo

Tensions in Tetovo have escalated following incidents involving minors and social media. In late September 2026, police investigated a TikTok video showing the burning of the Macedonian flag, an act classified as “inciting hatred, discord or intolerance on national, religious and other discriminatory grounds.” The investigation identified a minor under the age of 14 as the profile owner, who confessed to the act and identified three other participants.

By late October 2026, reports emerged of physical attacks on children in the city center. Parents alleged that a group of five minors intercepted two 11-year-old boys, attempting to strip them of jackets to check for markings associated with the ‘Vojvodi’ supporter group. One attacker reportedly filmed the assault for a TikTok group dedicated to sharing videos of fights in Tetovo. Residents have expressed concern over recurring social media footage depicting the mistreatment of minors and are calling for increased police patrols and investigations.