Macedonian opposition leader claims alleged government wire-tap campaign included journalists

SKOPJE, Macedonia – Macedonia's leftwing opposition leader claims that more than 100 journalists were among the victims of alleged mass wire-tapping by the country's government and secret police chief.

Zoran Zaev on Wednesday published what he said were excerpts of taped conversations by journalists in both state-run and independent outlets, which he said prove government attempts to control Macedonia's media.

Conservative Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski rejected the allegations, which come amid a bitter feud with the opposition.

Gruevski had previously accused Zaev of plotting a coup. Zaev, who faces criminal charges and is barred from leaving the country, claims the government tapped about 20,000 people, including politicians, members of the judiciary and police, religious leaders and non-government organizations.

Zaev's party is boycotting parliament, accusing Gruevski's government of fraud in April 2014 national elections.