Skopje, 26 February 2026 (MIA) - The Indictment Council at the Skopje-based Criminal Court has upheld in entirety two indictments submitted by the Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime and Corruption, whereupon two criminal cases were launched in connection with the Kochani fire and the IPARD abuses.

The first case involves 13 police officers charged with serious crimes against public safety, in connection with the March 16 fire at the "Pulse" nightclub in Kochani.

"The decision upholds in entirety the indictment against 13 police officers who are charged with committing the criminal offense of "serious crimes against public safety", in connection with the fire that broke out on March 16, 2025 at the "Pulse" facility in Kochani," the Court said in a press release. 

The second case involves financial fraud and bribery in connection with the European IPARD programme.

"The indictment concerns five people over various criminal offenses, including giving a bribe, giving a reward for unlawful influence, receiving a reward for unlawful influence and receiving a bribe, which also includes an indictment against four other people and one legal entity, in connection with the use of funds through the IPARD programme," reads the press release.

The cases will be distributed through the ACMIS system (Automated Court Case Management Information System) for further processing by competent judges. As soon as the main hearing for the specific cases is scheduled, dates will be made available through the trial calendar on the Court's website, said the Skopje-based Criminal Court. 

Photo: MIA archive