Skopje, 2 July 2025 (MIA) -- The Pulse nightclub fire case trial has been transferred from Kochani to Skopje, after the Supreme Court ruled that the Skopje criminal judges would conduct more efficient court proceedings, the Skopje Criminal Court said in a press release Wednesday.

According to the release, the Shtip Appellate Court had filed the motion for transferring the trial due to the insufficient number of criminal judges at the Shtip and Strumica courts.

The Supreme Court reviewed the motion and ruled to transfer the case considering the courts' "personnel and technical capacities as well as the complexity and public interest into the case." The ruling also "highlighted the need of experienced judges who would provide an efficient, professional and legal procedure," the release said.

The criminal judge who will hear the case when it comes to trial will be assigned through the Automated Court Case Management Information System.

Business owners, managers, inspectors, mayors, security guards and public officials are indicted in the Pulse nightclub fire case.

In June, the Kochani Public Prosecutor's Office dropped the charges against 11 people, including two former government ministers, for lack of evidence, and brought indictments against 34 individuals and three legal entities on charges of serious crimes against public safety.

On March 16, a fire killed 62 people and injured more than 200 when it tore through Kochani's Pulse nightclub during a DNK concert. mr/