The trial has commenced in North Macedonia for thirty-five individuals and three institutions, following a devastating nightclub fire in March that claimed the lives of 63 people, predominantly young adults.
Addressing a courtroom filled with defendants and relatives of the victims, Judge Diana Gruevska-Ilievska stated, “I understand the pain of the bereaved; we are all parents here.” She assured the assembly that the proceedings would be conducted with transparency and diligence.
The Club Pulse, situated in the eastern city of Kocani, was crowded with young Macedonians attending a performance by a well-known hip-hop act when sparks emanating from pyrotechnic devices ignited the ceiling.
Prosecutors argued that systemic failures over several years had transformed the nightclub into a hazardous environment.
Among those charged are three former mayors of Kocani, the owner of the nightclub, and public officials responsible for licensing.
The charges allege that they endangered public safety by permitting the operation of an unsafe venue.
The judge cautioned that the trial’s duration could range from “five months to five years.”
Defense attorneys attempted to postpone the trial’s commencement due to the consolidation of charges into a single case. The judge dismissed these attempts, stating that it did “not violate any rights of the parties”.
Authorities stated that at the time of the incident, only one designated exit was functional, as the rear entrance had been locked.
Sparks from the pyrotechnics rapidly spread across the club’s ceiling, which was constructed of flammable materials.
Approximately 500 individuals were present in the club at the time, resulting in 59 immediate fatalities and approximately 200 injuries. Four additional injured individuals later died. Many were unable to escape due to obstructed exits.
Public outrage following the fire led to demonstrations in Skopje, the Macedonian capital, and in other locales. Families of the victims organized local marches in Kocani itself.
Another demonstration, known as the “March of the Angels,” occurred in Skopje in the days preceding the trial, organized as part of a Macedonian social media campaign entitled “Who’s Next?”.
Prosecutors argued that the Kocani tragedy was not the result of isolated actions or errors but rather the consequence of a series of institutional inadequacies and a lack of accountability.
According to prosecutor Borche Janev, none of the defendants had been willing to address the long-standing safety risks.
Prosecutors allege that the club’s licenses were improperly issued, inspections were not conducted, and the venue was permitted to operate at excessive capacity.
Another allegation is that no permit was obtained for the band to use the pyrotechnic devices that ignited the fire.
“If we remain silent and conceal the truth… we will never possess the societal strength to embark on a path towards healing,” Janev reportedly told the court, according to local media.
Wales hope to summon the magic of big nights at Cardiff City Stadium as they face North Macedonia in a pivotal World Cup qualifier.
Before Wales’ must win World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia on Tuesday, relive some of the other big nights they’ve enjoyed at Cardiff City Stadium.
It’s a must win game to improve Wales path to the 2026 World Cup – who would you pick in your team to face North Macedonia?
Ethan Ampadu is “gutted” to be suspended for Tuesday’s decisive final World Cup qualifying group game against North Macedonia.
Ben Davies returns for Wales’ final World Cup qualifying games against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia but Aaron Ramsey remains out.