Kochani, 8 May 2025 (MIA) – The parents of those killed in the tragic March 16 fire at the 'Pulse' nightclub in Kochani have issued a written statement to the public expressing deep pain, as well as making a clear and unequivocal demand for a full legal resolution and accountability from all individuals and institutions involved.  

"We characterize this tragedy as a mass murder and a grave threat to human lives and safety, and we demand that the competent institutions act professionally, impartially and in accordance with applicable laws and international conventions. We completely distance ourselves from any political manipulation and do not allow this tragic event to be used to score political points by any entity, regardless of whether it is from the ruling party or the opposition. We demand that an independent and thorough investigation be immediately conducted into all circumstances related to the event, in order to determine whether all legal norms and regulations for the operation of the facility were respected. We want to know whether the nightclub possessed valid operating documentation, whether all necessary controls were carried out by the competent inspection services, and whether the law was observed in terms of urban, construction, sanitary, safety and fire standards. It is necessary to determine whether someone's negligence, abuse or illegal action led to this tragedy," reads the statement. 

The parents of the victims point out that they are ready to cooperate with eminent domestic and foreign lawyers who will provide legal support at all stages of the process, including possibly filing a case before the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

"We demand nothing more than justice, but the justice must be non-selective and fair. We must not allow the lives of our children to remain meaningless in the eyes of the state. There must be accountability – both for the organizers and managers of the facility, and for the institutions that allowed or failed to prevent this catastrophe. The lives of our children were lost, but they must not be forgotten. We appeal to the Prosecutor's Office and the Police to act without delay, to act professionally and transparently, and to inform the public about every step in the process. If these institutions do not act appropriately, we will use all available domestic and international legal mechanisms, including filing a case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg," the parents add. 

In the statement, the parents appeal that the issue of functioning of institutions and safety of citizens is not an individual, but a social problem. They are not asking for special treatment or political privileges, but for the state to do its job honestly and in line with the law. 

A new protest "March for the Angels" has been announced to take place in Kochani on Saturday (May 10) at 4:05 pm, symbolizing delayed institutional response.

Photo: MIA