North Macedonia's Interior Ministry and Security Agency Investigate 20 Sites and Profiles for Hate Speech Against Bulgaria.

They are suspected of organised dissemination of hate speech and inciting tensions through content related to relations between North Macedonia and Bulgaria. The investigation also concerns the way some of these activities were financed.

Around 20 portals and profiles are under investigation by the Interior Ministry of the Republic of North Macedonia for spreading hate speech. There are suspicions of coordinated posts related to the dispute between Skopje and Sofia, Skopje1 reported.

According to information obtained by the editorial team, the investigation concerns suspicions that these channels were used for the organised dissemination of hate speech and the fuelling of tensions through content related to relations between North Macedonia and Bulgaria.

The focus of the investigation is on several recent publications. They include leaflets and messages related to the inclusion of Bulgarians in the Constitution, as well as provocative materials suspected of aiming to fuel mutual insults, hatred and the radicalisation of public debate between Macedonian and Bulgarian citizens.

According to the same sources, investigators have already secured some of the evidence, but actions in the case are still ongoing.

Recently, issues related to Macedonian-Bulgarian relations have again triggered strong reactions in the public sphere, including statements by MEPs and politicians. Social media has also seen an increase in content with offensive and provocative rhetoric.

So far, there has been no official information on the matter from the Interior Ministry or the National Security Agency. No further details are being disclosed for now, as the proceedings are still ongoing, but it is stated that possible links with organisations and associations are also being investigated.