North Macedonia is observing a national mourning period as protests intensify over a deadly nightclub fire, prompting calls for justice and government accountability amidst allegations of corruption.
**Protests Erupt in North Macedonia Following Nightclub Fire Tragedy**
**Protests Erupt in North Macedonia Following Nightclub Fire Tragedy**
Thousands demand justice and accountability after devastating Kocani disaster claims 59 lives.
In the wake of a catastrophic nightclub fire in Kocani, where 59 lives, mainly belonging to teenagers, were lost, citizens have taken to the streets demanding justice and accountability. Amid a national mourning period, the tragedy unfolded at the Pulse nightclub during a performance by the popular hip-hop band DNK when flares ignited the flammable ceiling material.
Local residents have expressed their anguish over the preventable nature of the incident, with many accusing governmental corruption of allowing the poorly equipped venue to operate unchecked. Individuals assuming responsibility for the club's safety include its owner and several former officials, with approximately 20 people detained for questioning.
Parallel to searching for missing loved ones, grieving families have flocked to hospitals to provide DNA samples for identification. "Those kids, they had a future, they had talents," exclaimed a teenage witness, resonating the sentiment felt by many in the community.
The fire, which ignited around 02:30 local time, left over 160 people injured, with 45 individuals suffering from serious injuries requiring transfer to medical facilities in neighboring nations including Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Turkey.
Amidst the protests, heartfelt tributes and chants demanding justice permeate the air. Some youths targeted establishments linked to the nightclub’s owner in their anger. Protesters have called for mass gatherings on Tuesday in cities across the country as tensions rise, reflecting the tragic loss felt by this close-knit community.
Government officials, including Interior Minister Pance Toskovski, acknowledged the facility was illegal, operating with only one locked emergency exit and inadequate safety measures, raising grave concerns about potential bribery and corruption in its operations. The state prosecutor, Ljupco Kocevski, detailed the severe safety failures, including the absence of fire alarms or sprinklers.
As Kocani mourns and seeks answers, the incident has sparked a national conversation about public safety and accountability.
