Skopje, 12 April 2025 (MIA) - At the order of a public prosecutor, an operation is currently underway to detain several persons as part of the expanded investigation into the Kochani fire, confirmed the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Ministry of Interior. The Prosecutor’s Office stated that the relevant institutions will jointly inform the public once the ongoing actions are completed.

The Basic Prosecutor’s Office in Kochani has submitted proposals to the Basic Court in Kochani on Friday for extension of the security measures - detention and house arrest - for all suspects in the Kochani nightclub fire investigation.

According to the press release, only three suspects are being proposed for a change in security measures from detention to house arrest, based on the current stage of evidence gathering and legal grounds. The suspects include two persons from the State Market Inspectorate and one member of the nightclub's security team.

The Public Prosecutor's Office also notes that investigations are continuing in several directions and across various institutions to determine potential accountability, and the public will be informed promptly once a prosecutorial decision is reached.

So far, 27 individuals and three companies are under investigation by the Basic Prosecutor’s Office over the Kochani fire. Seven police officers from the Shtip and Kochani are also being investigated.

The fire at the nightclub in Kochani on March 16 claimed the lives of 61 people and left 200 injured.

Photo: MIA archive