# North Macedonia judicial controversy over Laskarci verdict > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-judicial-controversy-over-laskarci-verdict > Updated: 2026-09-13T10:11:50.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2. The Supreme Court of North Macedonia annulled the appellate verdict regarding the 2019 Laskarci bus accident, which caused 16 deaths and over 30 injuries. Citing procedural deficiencies in previous rulings, the court ordered a retrial, effectively nullifying the prison sentences of six convicted individuals, including the owner of Durmo Tours and several technical inspection employees. Following the decision, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed deep disappointment, calling the ruling a “failure of justice.” He alleged that the judiciary is still influenced by remnants of the former SDSM and DUI governments, claiming certain officials act as “servants to those who appointed them.” The VMRO-DPMNE party expanded on these criticisms, specifically naming judges Afrim Fidani, Djemail Saiti, and Safet Kadrija. The party argued that judicial installations are being used to protect criminals and protect existing political systems, noting that accountability has also been lacking in other fatal incidents, such as a modular hospital accident. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: North Macedonia's Supreme Court faces criticism over Laskarci verdict VMRO-DPMNE accuses North Macedonia's Supreme Court of protecting criminals by overturning verdicts in the Laskarci accident case and releasing a convicted individual. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonias-supreme-court-faces-criticism-over-laskarci-verdict ### 2026-09-10: Supreme Court of North Macedonia annuls Laskarci bus accident verdict The Supreme Court of North Macedonia annulled the Laskarci bus accident verdict due to procedural errors, returning the case for retrial and sparking political criticism from Prime Minister Mickoski. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/supreme-court-overturns-laskarci-bus-accident-verdict --- Cite as: North Macedonia judicial controversy over Laskarci verdict. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-judicial-controversy-over-laskarci-verdict