Puls nightclub owner to be released from detention

Dejan Jovanov, the owner of the Puls nightclub in Kočani where a fire claimed 63 lives on March 16, 2025, is set to be released from pre-trial detention in less than a month. The Basic Criminal Court in Skopje confirmed that his detention period is extended only until October 3, 2026, due to legal limits regarding the timeframe following the indictment.

While Jovanov will be released from custody, the court stated that additional security measures will be implemented to ensure his presence during the ongoing trial. Jovanov was originally detained due to a perceived flight risk.

The legal proceedings involve 34 accused individuals, including Jovanov’s brother, Todor Jovanov, and his son. Todor Jovanov has already had his house arrest lifted after providing real estate collateral valued at approximately 320,000 euros, while his son is subject to other precautionary measures. The trial, which began last November, continues as the court manages various bail and security requests for the defendants.