From 13 October Grubi defends himself as a free man - and to get his passport back he's offering property worth 335,707 euros

Former first deputy prime minister Artan Grubi, the second defendant in the "State Lottery" case, walks out of house arrest on 13 October. Not because anyone decided he should, but because that's what the law says. The indictment was filed on 13 August, and under Article 470 of the Criminal Procedure Law, detention in a case like this can last no longer than 60 days.

One precautionary measure remains: his passport has been confiscated and he is banned from being issued a travel document. That is exactly what the defence wants lifted. Citing Article 150 of the law, it has offered a guarantee - real estate worth 335,707 euros - to have that measure cancelled too. The proposal has been sent to the prosecution for an opinion, after which the Criminal Council will decide. The president of the Basic Criminal Court, Daniela Dimovska, confirmed that whatever the decision, Grubi will await trial as a free man.

Seven others are charged in the case, including the first defendant, former "Lottery" director Perparim Bajrami. According to the indictment, in 2023 and 2024 they exceeded their powers and enabled the purchase of video lottery terminals, even though they knew the State Lottery had no right to run electronic games of chance on its own. The damage is estimated at 9.7 million euros. Grubi has pleaded not guilty.

Instead of the number, the parties immediately started arguing about the blame. VMRO-DPMNE reminded everyone that Grubi and Bajrami are "from the time of SDSM and DUI". SDSM hit back that it's the prime minister who meddles in the courts and the prosecution: "First they welcomed him with a red carpet at the border. Then house arrest. Now a deadline running out and a guarantee for his passport."

The 60-day limit is no secret. It was known from the day the indictment was filed. So the real question isn't who's to blame for Grubi walking out, but whether the trial will be over before the public forgets about the 9.7 million euros. How many trials in the Balkans have lost that race against time?