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Pulse nightclub fire trial and victim justice protests

Updated 16 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-17 12:55 UTC → 2026-09-21 09:21 UTC · added removed

Legal proceedings continue at the Skopje Basic Criminal Court regarding the fatal fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani on March 16, 2025, which resulted in 63 deaths and over 200 injuries. The trial has entered a critical evidence phase involving the cross-examination of construction experts from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University (UKIM). Expert testimony has previously highlighted that the illegal building was illegally repurposed, evidenced by unauthorized external stairs and signage. Forensic analysis confirmed that the polyethylene sponge used in the repurposing, non-compliant ceiling failed to meet the mandatory 30-minute fire resistance standard. Furthermore, investigations uncovered discrepancies in licensing documentation, specifically regarding ventilation materials, and exit capacity, alongside unauthorized reconstruction activities dating back to 2012. licensing discrepancies. As the trial progresses, the defense for the primary defendant, Dejan Jovanov, has announced plans to offer property as a guarantee to secure his faces potential release when his one-year detention term expires on October 3. This development has sparked significant public outcry. In Kočani, via property guarantees, families of the victims held the 49th ‘March for the Angels’ to mark one and a half years since the tragedy. During a candlelight vigil, the march, parents expressed deep frustration with demanded a full investigation into the legal process, specifically questioning venue’s reconstruction, licensing, and the potential release use of Jovanov. pyrotechnics. Valentina Hristovska, mother of victim Pavel Hristovski, noted that criticized the defense suggested defense’s suggestion that Jovanov’s detention could only continue if a ‘new criminal offense’ were invented. Families are demanding a comprehensive investigation into the building’s conversion, inspection protocols, and the use of pyrotechnics during the event. Parallel proceedings against police officers continue have seen significant developments. A retrial for 13 officers accused of crimes against public security has restarted following changes to face delays. the Judicial Council. The prosecution alleges these officers were engaged in the nightclub during the critical period and failed to prevent the use of pyrotechnics. The court confirmed that all previous evidence and testimonies will be incorporated into these new proceedings. In a recent hearing, related testimony, inspector Despina Simeonova testified stated that during a 2023 inspection, Jovanov failed to present a valid work license and that access to the facility was ‘completely blocked by parked vehicles’.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-21 09:21 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial and victim justice protests
  2. 2026-09-17 12:55 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial and victim justice protests
  3. 2026-09-16 21:22 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial and victim justice protests
  4. 2026-09-16 20:39 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial and victim justice protests
  5. 2026-09-15 01:13 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial in North Macedonia
  6. 2026-09-14 06:56 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial in North Macedonia
  7. 2026-09-01 14:00 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial in North Macedonia
  8. 2026-09-01 07:39 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial in North Macedonia
  9. 2026-08-25 16:23 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial in North Macedonia
  10. 2026-08-25 11:45 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial in North Macedonia
  11. 2026-08-25 09:01 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial in North Macedonia
  12. 2026-08-22 22:54 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial in North Macedonia
  13. 2026-08-20 22:22 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial in North Macedonia
  14. 2026-08-17 22:34 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial in North Macedonia
  15. 2026-08-17 13:59 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial in North Macedonia
  16. 2026-08-17 08:35 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial in North Macedonia
  17. 2026-08-12 11:21 UTC Pulse nightclub fire trial in North Macedonia

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