Thousands protest ahead of trial over deadliest fire in North Macedonia’s history
SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — Thousands of people took to the streets in North Macedonia’s capital on Saturday, demanding justice for those killed in the nightclub fire, the deadliest in the country’s history, for which the club owner and others will be tried next week.
16 March fire and the ensuing stampede left 63 people dead, mostly young people, and more than 200 injured. The fire was caused by pyrotechnic flames that engulfed the roof of the crowded Pulse club in the eastern town of Kocani.
Protesters, including relatives victimsWearing black and carrying large banners with photos of their loved ones, they walked to the Skopje Criminal Court.
Parents blame corruption and greed for their children’s deaths. Authorities said that there were many and serious incidents at the venue. security breaches and was operating with the wrong license.
“We are aware that the road to justice is long and difficult, full of resistance and distorted intentions,” the parents said in the video message. “We are ready to stand up together against the biggest corruption that takes the lives of our children,” he said.
The prosecutor’s office prepared an indictment against 34 people, including the club owner, security guards and former mayors of Kocani, as well as representatives of 3 legal entities, including the security firm and the club owner’s companies. They are accused of “serious crimes against public safety.”
Other defendants include inspectors, civil servants and former economy ministers. If convicted, they face up to 10 years in prison.
Corruption has long plagued North Macedonia. Berlin-based Transparency International ranked North Macedonia 88th globally in its Corruption Perceptions Index last year, one of the worst rankings in Europe.
Bribing officials to bypass licensing requirements and skirt safety regulations is commonplace.
The European Union has repeatedly expressed concern about widespread corruption in the country, describing it as a major obstacle to the fight against corruption. nation’s participation in the bloc. North Macedonia is an experienced candidate country that has been waiting to join the EU since 2005.
