Sun Nov 16 01:09:36 UTC 2025: News Article:
Skopje Rallies Demand Justice for 63 Killed in Nightclub Fire
Skopje, North Macedonia – Thousands of protesters marched through the capital city of Skopje on Saturday, demanding justice for the 63 people who perished in a devastating nightclub fire in the town of Kocani in March. The demonstration comes as the nation prepares for the trial of 34 individuals and three companies charged in connection with the tragedy.
The deadly blaze, which occurred at the Pulse nightclub during a hip-hop concert on March 16, is the worst fire in North Macedonia’s history. The crowded venue ignited, triggering a panicked stampede that left 63 dead and around 200 injured, most of whom were between the ages of 16 and 26.
Families of the victims, dressed in black and carrying a large banner displaying images of the deceased, marched to the North Macedonian parliament. The banner read, “63 shadows will be following you,” while protesters chanted, “Justice for Kocani.”
The families allege that corruption and negligence were to blame for the deaths at the unlicensed venue. Authorities have stated that the fire was caused by a pyrotechnic flame that ignited the club’s roof, and that the venue had numerous serious safety violations.
Natalija Gjorgjieska, whose husband, musician Andrej Gjorgjieski, died in the fire, voiced the sentiments of many. “We demand the truth,” she said. “Where did the mistakes occur, who didn’t respond, which institutions were late, who had the responsibility to prevent [them] and did not?”
Prosecutors have filed indictments against 34 people, including the club owner, security guards, former mayors of Kocani, and representatives of the security firm and the club owner’s companies. They are accused of “serious crimes against public safety” and, if convicted, could face up to 10 years in prison. Other defendants include inspectors, civil servants, and former economy ministers.
Corruption has long been a problem in North Macedonia, hindering its progress and EU accession.
First Piper 