# North Macedonia judicial bribery legal proceedings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-judicial-bribery-legal-proceedings
> Updated: 2026-10-06T13:51:46.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Former State Attorney Fehmi Stafa, who was sentenced to one year and three months in prison for bribery, has been involved in ongoing legal proceedings in North Macedonia. Initially, Stafa appealed a parole decision by the Basic Criminal Court in Skopje, challenging the duration of a one-month early release that would have allowed him to leave prison in February 2027.

Subsequently, Stafa testified in the trial of former appellate judge Gjoko Ristov, recanting his previous guilty plea. Stafa claimed his prior confession was made under pressure and fear for his safety, asserting that the funds involved were actually a legal fee and a loan rather than a bribe intended for Ristov. The prosecution has disputed these claims, stating the case is supported by communications and testimonies from other judges following the discovery of 350,000 euros in Ristov’s home.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Fehmi Stafa recants bribery confession in judge Gjoko Ristov trial

Former attorney Fehmi Stafa testified in the trial of judge Gjoko Ristov, claiming his previous bribery confession was coerced and that the funds were not intended for the judge.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fehmi-stafa-recants-bribery-confession-in-judge-gjoko-ristov-trial

### 2026-09-30: Fehmi Stafa appeals parole decision in bribery case

Former State Attorney Fehmi Stafa has appealed a court decision granting him only a one-month early parole release following his bribery conviction involving businessman Ljupcho Petsov.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fehmi-stafa-appeals-parole-decision-in-bribery-case

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Cite as: North Macedonia judicial bribery legal proceedings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-judicial-bribery-legal-proceedings