Kochani, 26 April 2025 (MIA) - It is time to cut off the shackles of crime and do justice because everyone knows about the corruption and evil that rule here, said parents of the victims in the Kochani nightclub fire, who held a protest march in the town on Saturday.

The parents told the state institutions to not shy away from responsibility and understand the pain they feel for their children.

"Would you have protected the accomplices if the murdered children had been your own? Maybe then you will realize that the only reason for our fight is justice for our children. We will not stop here, you will see us in other places as well, stronger. This is only the beginning of our struggle for the lives gone too early, their dreams, their youth. Justice must be done and all accomplices to this murder must be held responsible," said Julija Zlatkova, a victim's mother.

The march stopped in front of the offices of the inspection services in Kochani and the town's police station, where protesters sought responsibility from the inspectors and police officers who failed to prevent the tragedy.

"After the tragic evening, we learned that the nightclub was used for drug trafficking and consumption. Were you blind and allowed our children to pay the price because of someone's profit? We seek responsibility from the Ministry of Interior, some have maybe pardoned you but we won't," said protesters.

They then walked to the basic court and the prosecutor's office, saying justice must be done and the real culprits must be found.

The march ended in the Revolution Park, with parents saying they would continue to stage the protests in the coming period and be even more vocal in their demands for justice.

Photo: MIA