Skopje prosecutors oppose bail for Puls nightclub owner

The Skopje Basic Public Prosecutor's Office has submitted a negative opinion regarding the release of Dejan Jovanov, the owner of the Puls nightclub, on bail. Prosecutors are requesting the court reject Jovanov's request for release, which proposed a guarantee of approximately 195,820 euros through a mortgage on real estate.

The prosecution argued that the offered property consists largely of auxiliary buildings, sheds, and stables that were previously illegal constructions. They noted that such assets would be extremely difficult to convert into cash and may not meet the required valuation. Furthermore, the prosecution stated that Jovanov was aware that parts of the offered property were already subject to enforcement and could not be mortgaged.

The legal proceedings stem from a fatal fire at the Puls nightclub in Kočani on March 16, 2025, caused by the use of pyrotechnics during a concert. The incident resulted in 63 deaths and over 200 injuries. The trial, which began on November 19, 2025, at the Idrizovo prison courtroom, involves 35 individuals and three legal entities charged with “serious offenses against public safety.” The defendants include club owners, managers, inspectors, former mayors, and former ministers. Investigations indicated the club was operating without a valid permit and had violated numerous safety standards.