Skopje, 17 March 2025 (MIA) - We are losing our children because of crime and corruption. We will either change the system in the country or we will not have a country. We must demonstrate decisiveness in the implementation of all procedures that have to be undertaken. All those having direct or indirect culpability related to this event will be held responsible, said Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski on Monday.

Minister Toshkovski said 23 persons are suspected in the case, including a former minister, while adding that the nightclub did not hold a license and operated in a facility not intended for hospitality but light industry.

Toshkovski said that the home and the passenger vehicle of the nightclub owner, as well as the legal entity's accounting firm, will be searched during the day. Furthermore, a number of persons from various institutions, including the MoI, are to be detained. Technical equipment, documents, weapons, ammunition have been seized during searches of a home and business premises of two persons from the Ministry of Interior.

"Macedonia has no system, corruption and crime have destroyed the system. The situation is alarming. I have been saying this for a year and have been working with my team on a daily basis to set up a system. Whatever we scratch, it is rotten. We must take radical steps to bring the country back to normal if we want to have a country. We will do everything to bring the country back to normal. Regarding the nightclub, it is a barn, it operated in that way for 15 years, through crime and corruption, unlawfully, using bribes and not meeting any requirements. A total disaster," said Toshkovski.

He said the MoI was not informed by the organizers or others regarding the event, and the MoI is not obligated to provide permanent security in every facility.

"The MoI does not give approval for events of any kind, it only undertakes activities to keep order if the event is not reported in a police station," said Toshkovski.

The use of pyrotechnics was not reported to the police, although regulations provide for this.

"Yesterday's inspection uncovered a series of irregularities within the facility used as a nightclub. It did not have the proper license, operating in a facility that was intended for light industry and not hospitality. Numerous fire protection standards were violated, since the facility only had two fire extinguishers, no evacuation doors, the concert was unlicensed since there was no contract in writing between the organizer and the performers. Band DNK brought the pyrotechnics that caused the fire," said Toshkovski.

He added that all nightclubs across the country would be thoroughly inspected in the coming period, "thus uncovering all irregularities and systemic shortcomings."

Photo/Video: MIA