Pulse nightclub fire trial proceeds in North Macedonia

The court in Idrizovo continued the trial over the March 16, 2025 fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, which killed 63 people and injured more than 200 during a performance by the group DNA. Judge Diijana Gruevska‑Ilievska presided and the prosecution presented forensic findings from the Institute of Forensic Medicine, led by director Aleksandar Stankov.

Witness statements from Dario Trifunov and Aleksandra Pepelarovska, given to the prosecution during the investigation, were read in court because the witnesses are no longer available to the authorities. The defence objected to the prosecution’s request to withdraw these testimonies, arguing they are essential to establish key details, such as the alleged entry of suspect Martin Atanasovski‑Buco into the club without a bag, which could undermine the prosecution’s theory that he introduced pyrotechnics.

The trial will proceed with further examination of forensic evidence and other witnesses.