Thirty-five people and three institutions have gone on trial in North Macedonia over a devastating fire at a nightclub that killed 63, mainly young, individuals in March.
Judge Diana Gruevska-Ilievska addressed a crowded courtroom filled with defendants and victims' families, promising a transparent and disciplined process. The tragedy occurred at Club Pulse in Kocani, during a concert, when pyrotechnics ignited a fire that quickly engulfed the flammable ceiling.
Prosecutors described years of neglect that left the club a 'death trap', with only one operational exit during the blaze, resulting in 59 immediate fatalities and several others succumbing to injuries later.
Defendants include the nightclub's owner, three former mayors, and public licensing officials, all accused of compromising public safety. As they face charges, the judge indicated that the trial could extend from five months to five years.
Protests erupted following the fire, demanding justice from authorities for their failings that allowed the club to operate unsafely, with ongoing demonstrations reflecting the community's outrage.
Accusations detail unlawful licensing and inadequate safety inspections, lacking permits for pyrotechnics that were integral to the incident. Prosecutors emphasized the need for accountability, asserting, 'if we remain silent and lose the truth... healing as a society will be impossible.'
