Athens, 22 March 2025 (MIA) - Macedonians living and studying in Thessaloniki gathered at the city square at noon on Saturday to honor the victims of the Kochani nightclub fire, carrying signs that read "Thessaloniki stands with you Kochani", "Their profits or our lives", "You helped emigrate some, and killed those who stayed", MIA's correspondent reports.

The gathering was an hour-long silence, a minute each for the 59 fire victims and for the ambulance driver who passed away shortly after transporting many of the injured.

Those who launched the initiative told MIA that the idea for the gathering came after the first of the injured people arrived for treatment in Thessaloniki, which prompted Macedonians living in the Greek city to offer assistance.

"As one of the cities affected, with victims receiving care, we ask you to join us in extending our deepest condolences for the lives lost, the injured and their families," said organizers in the call for the gathering.

Greek state television ERT reported on the gathering through livestreams, whereas Thessaloniki-based web-portals published news articles on the event.

Photo: MIA