Koçan nightclub fire prompts Angel March in Vinica

On 16 March 2025 a fire ripped through the Puls nightclub in Koçan, North Macedonia, killing 63 people—mostly young patrons—and injuring more than 200. The blaze, which erupted during a DNK performance, is regarded as the deadliest incident of its kind in the country’s recent history.

The Basic Criminal Court in Skopje sentenced three police officials—Kire Bogatinov, Goran Lazarov and Aleksandar Temelkov—on 5 May, and prosecutors have charged 35 individuals and three legal entities, including the club’s owner, relatives, state inspectors and a former minister. The trial continues with witness testimonies.

In response, the citizen association “16 March 2025” organized the “Marsh i engjëjve” (Angel March) in the town of Vinica. The rally is set for today, with a procession beginning at 16:45 at Angel Square and marching at 17:05. Organisers demand “true justice” for the victims, insisting that “conditional sentencing is not justice for the 63 lives lost.” Over 500 survivors still live with physical and psychological trauma and joined the call to prevent similar tragedies.

The march aims to keep public attention on the fire, urging authorities to ensure accountability and improve safety standards for nightlife venues.