A trial has opened in North Macedonia concerning a devastating fire at a nightclub that killed 63 people, mostly young individuals, back in March 2025. A total of 35 defendants, including club owner Dejan Jovanov-Deko, three former mayors of Kocani, and public licensing officials, face multiple charges related to the failure to ensure public safety.
In a packed courtroom, Judge Diana Gruevska-Ilievska expressed empathy towards the victims' families and promised a diligent and transparent trial process. During the tragic incident, the nightclub, known as Club Pulse, was hosting a concert when sparks from pyrotechnic devices ignited the ceiling, leading to chaos as flames engulfed the venue.
Prosecutors assert that a culmination of neglect transformed the venue into a dangerous place, with only one operational exit and a locked back door at the time of the fire. Reports indicate that around 500 attendees were trapped, with many unable to escape due to blocked exits while suffering from smoke inhalation and severe burns.
The judge forewarned that the trial could potentially span several years. This has prompted widespread protests in cities like Skopje, where victims' families have rallied for justice under the slogan 'Who's Next?', advocating for accountability and comprehensive safety reforms.
Prosecutors outlined a narrative of systemic failure indicating that licenses were issued unlawfully, inspections were insufficient, and overcrowding was a persistent issue, leading to the disaster. As the case unfolds, it reflects broader societal concerns regarding safety standards and government accountability in North Macedonia.
