Hundreds of citizens marched through Kocani on Sunday, demanding accountability for the 59 victims of the fire at the “Pulse” nightclub. The protest began at the city park, where demonstrators chanted “Murderers!” and “Anyone could be next!” as they marched to the municipal building.
Tensions rose as some protesters threw stones at the municipal building, banging on doors and windows, and calling for Mayor Ljupco Papazov to step outside. The crowd then moved to “Klasik,” a cafe owned by the same person as the illegal “Pulse” nightclub, vandalizing the premises by smashing glass terraces, chairs, and tables.
Mayor Papazov did not visit the site of the tragedy, offer condolences, or check on the injured in hospital. On Monday morning, he announced his resignation via Facebook, urging authorities to investigate responsibility for the fire.
Interior Minister Pance Toskovski said police detained five people in Skopje and Tetovo and 13 in Stip, including three state market inspectors, one labor inspector, the nightclub owner, security staff, the head of the security agency, the ticket seller, and other employees. Eleven suspects have been placed in temporary custody.
“We demand justice,” protesters chanted, insisting those responsible be held accountable. As the crowd grew, anger spilled over into the streets. Protesters hurled stones and eggs at the municipal building, smashing windows and demanding answers.
The unrest spread across Kocani. Protesters targeted properties linked to those they held responsible, including the “Klasik” cafe, where they shattered windows and ransacked the interior.
“The mayor must take responsibility for the dead and injured. The system can no longer ignore the truth. For us, this is a matter of life and death,” said one protester.
The city was brought to a standstill as containers were overturned and chaos erupted. The crowd then moved towards judicial institutions, demanding swift and effective justice for the victims.
The fire at “Pulse” nightclub claimed 59 lives and injured over 150, according to the latest official reports. Protesters vowed to continue until those accountable faced justice.
