Hundreds of citizens gathered at Macedonia Square in Skopje on Tuesday to honor the 59 victims of the deadly fire at the “Pulse” nightclub in Kočani, offering support to their families and those injured, who are receiving treatment in local and foreign hospitals.
Protesters held banners reading, “Your system killed an entire generation” and “There wouldn’t have been so much blood if the law had been followed.” Similar peaceful gatherings took place in several cities across the country.
In Kočani’s Park of the Revolution, two gatherings were held — one where Metropolitan Ilarion of Bregalnica led prayers for the deceased and the injured, and another under the slogan “Freedom for our heroes,” calling for the release of the nightclub security staff who assisted in rescuing victims but were later detained.
Banners reading “Enough” and “How long will corruption keep killing us?” highlighted the growing public demand for accountability and an end to a system widely seen as corrupt.
Authorities said they are intensifying investigations. A team of nine prosecutors is on the ground, joined by the state public prosecutor, who has practically relocated to Kočani. Sixteen individuals are under investigation, with prosecutors securing 48-hour detention orders.
Police also searched Kočani Municipality offices on Tuesday. Prosecutors said they would request short-term detention for another suspect later that day.
Police shakeup for impartiality
To ensure impartiality, the Interior Ministry dismissed seven senior police officials — three in Kočani and four in Štip — replacing them with officers from Skopje.
“This decision does not imply guilt but aims to guarantee a process free from pressure, suspicion, or undue influence,” Interior Minister Panče Toškovski said.
Toškovski explained that the move was intended to deploy officers without personal or professional ties to the affected area, ensuring an unbiased investigation.
Additionally, the Civil Aviation Agency imposed a no-fly zone for drones over Kočani and Štip, citing safety and security concerns. The Interior Ministry warned that unauthorized drone operations could lead to legal consequences under aviation law.
Journalists detained over drone footage
Earlier, police detained news crews from TV 21 and Reuters for questioning after they filmed the Skopje protests using drones without permits. They were later released.
The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (ZNM) and the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) condemned the detentions.
“Why was the drone ban announced only after the protest had already begun? Why weren’t the media properly informed about the restrictions?” they asked in a joint statement.
Bulgaria offers further medical assistance
Meanwhile, attention turned to the condition of the injured, many of whom are being treated in foreign hospitals. Bulgaria was among the first to receive patients, alongside Greece.
“The Bulgarian government remains ready to provide additional assistance to its friends and neighbors if needed in this difficult moment,” Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev said after meeting his Macedonian counterpart, Timčo Mucunski, on Tuesday.
North Macedonia’s Health Minister Arben Taravari visited the University Hospital “Pirogov” in Sofia, where nine injured victims are receiving treatment, including a 15-year-old girl who was hospitalized on Tuesday.
Taravari expressed gratitude to Bulgaria, highlighting that Bulgarian Health Minister Silvi Kirilov was the first to reach out after the tragedy.
“The fire occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday, and by 8:30 a.m., Minister Kirilov had already contacted me. Bulgaria showed immediate solidarity, for which we are deeply thankful,” Taravari said.
Two patients have already been extubated, and doctors are hopeful that two more could be taken off ventilators soon.
By Tuesday, over 500 people had donated blood for the injured, the Bulgarian Red Cross said.
