The murder of 31-year-old Rosica Kocheva and her father near their home in Veles has highlighted a recurring pattern of institutional failure in North Macedonia. Kocheva had received dozens of threatening messages from her ex-partner, Ilija Stefanovski, including the warning, “Either mine or dead.”
A Pattern of Institutional Failure
Before the double murder, Rosica Kocheva had repeatedly reported constant violence and threats directed at her, her parents, and her friends. Despite these warnings, her case was not treated with urgency by the relevant institutions.
The perpetrator, Ilija Stefanovski, had previously been issued a restraining order and a suspended sentence. He ignored these legal mandates before committing the killings and subsequently taking his own life.
Five Years of Violence
Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 26 women were murdered in North Macedonia. The data shows a volatile trend, with 2023 marking the deadliest period with nine victims, three of whom were killed in cases related to domestic violence.
In 2025, six women have been murdered so far. This follows 2024, where five women were killed, including two who had previously filed official complaints regarding domestic violence.
Earlier records indicate that four women were killed in 2021 and two in 2022.
The Legal Definition of Femicide
While the murders are documented, the exact number of femicide victims remains unknown due to a lack of comprehensive legal regulation. For a murder to be classified as femicide, it must be proven that the crime was gender-related—meaning the woman was killed because she was a woman.
The term “femicide” is not explicitly used in the Criminal Code. However, in 2023, Article 123 was updated with paragraph 2-a to sanction the killing of a woman or a girl under 18 “as a result of gender-based violence.”
Looking Ahead
The National Network Against Domestic Violence is currently reviewing all trials and decisions related to the murder of women from 2014 to 2023. This analysis is likely to lead to a report that could provide a clearer understanding of these cases.
Depending on the findings of this report, there may be a push for further legal regulations to better define and track femicide in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many women were murdered in North Macedonia from 2021 to 2025?
A total of 26 women were murdered during this five-year period.
What is the difference between the murder of a woman and femicide?
For a case to be qualified as femicide, it must be proven that the murder was gender-related, specifically that the woman was killed because she was a woman.
What legal changes were made to the Criminal Code in 2023?
Article 123 was supplemented with paragraph 2-a, which sanctions the killing of a woman or girl under the age of 18 as a result of gender-based violence.
How can legal systems better ensure that restraining orders are respected to prevent further tragedies?
