Pulse nightclub inspectors indicted for years of missed safety checks in Kočani

A criminal indictment has been filed at the Public Prosecutor's Office in Kočani against eight officials of the State Labour Inspectorate for allegedly failing to carry out mandatory inspections of the Pulse nightclub and hotel. The suspects – S. Sh. S. (53) of Makedonski Brod, S. Gj. (59) of Skopje, Z. M. (64), S. Z. (61), T. K. (42), N. D. (43), G. P. (41) and M. Z. S. (44), all from Kočani – are accused of the crime of “negligent performance of duties.”

According to the indictment, between 2022 and 16 March 2025 the officials never initiated any inspection of the Pulse venue, the only hotel‑nightclub of its kind in the municipality, despite a legal obligation to do so. The lack of oversight allowed the establishment to operate illegally, exposing its staff to unsafe working conditions and generating illicit profit estimated at 1,255,977 denars. The case follows a tragic fire at Pulse, and the investigation now also probes possible institutional responsibility for the disaster.