Thousands Protest in Skopje Demanding Justice for Deadly Nightclub Fire Victims Ahead of Landmark Trial

Protesters Demand Accountability in Skopje

SKOPJE, North Macedonia – Thousands of citizens, including relatives of the victims, marched through the capital city of Skopje on Saturday, November 15, 2025, demanding justice for the 63 lives lost in a devastating nightclub fire earlier this year. The large-scale protest took place just days before the anticipated start of a landmark trial for those implicated in the tragedy.

Dressed predominantly in black, demonstrators carried a massive banner adorned with photographs of the deceased, bearing the poignant message, '63 shadows will be following you.' Chants of 'justice for Kocani' echoed through the streets as the crowd marched towards the North Macedonian parliament and the Criminal Court. Families of the victims have consistently attributed the deaths to a combination of corruption and greed, citing the operation of an unlicensed venue with severe safety deficiencies.

Details of the Tragic Pulse Nightclub Fire

The catastrophic fire erupted on March 16, 2025, at the Pulse club in the eastern town of Kocani. The blaze, which occurred during a hip-hop concert, was reportedly sparked by a pyrotechnic flame that ignited the club's roof, constructed from highly flammable materials like styrofoam.

The incident led to a deadly stampede as an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 people, many of whom were young revelers aged between 16 and 26, attempted to escape the overcrowded venue. In addition to the 63 fatalities, more than 200 individuals sustained injuries, with many suffering from severe burns, smoke inhalation, and crush injuries.

Investigations revealed that the Pulse club was operating without a proper license and was plagued by numerous safety violations, including a lack of adequate fire extinguishers and emergency exits. Natalija Gjorgjieska, whose husband, musician Andrej Gjorgjieski, died in the fire, voiced the families' collective sentiment: 'We demand the truth. Where did the mistakes occur, who didn't respond, which institutions were late, who had the responsibility to prevent and did not?'

Impending Trial and Charges

The trial related to the Kocani nightclub fire is scheduled to commence in the coming days. Prosecutors have filed indictments against 34 individuals and three legal entities, including the club owner, security guards, former mayors of Kocani, and representatives of companies linked to the club's ownership and security. Other defendants include inspectors, civil servants, and former economy ministers.

The accused face charges of 'serious crimes against public security,' and if convicted, could face prison sentences of up to 10 years. The case has brought renewed attention to the pervasive issue of corruption in North Macedonia, which many believe contributed to the tragic loss of life.

Calls for Systemic Change

The protests underscore a deep-seated public frustration with governmental oversight and a demand for greater accountability. Families of the victims have called for a special inquiry committee to investigate the disaster thoroughly, suspecting a potential cover-up in the initial investigation. The tragedy has prompted widespread calls for systemic changes to prevent similar incidents in the future and to address the country's ongoing challenges with corruption.