Skopje, 21 March 2025 (MIA) – Once the investigation is concluded, all circumstances and facts regarding the cause of the fire, who caused it, how it was caused, and which pyrotechnics were used, will be clarified, Chief Prosecutor Ljupcho Kocevski said Friday.

Kocevski noted this while responding to journalists’ questions at a press conference, where he said that an investigation has been opened into the fire in the “Pulse” nightclub in Kochani, involving 27 individuals and three legal entities.

With this, the total number of suspects for the fire in which 59 people lost their lives, including six children, is 34 individuals, after the Public Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation on Thursday against seven police officers from the Shtip and Kochani.

The individuals, as stated by Kocevski, are suspected of committing a criminal offense for which the minimum sentence is three years, with a maximum penalty of 20 years.

“This is just the beginning of the investigation, and a thorough investigation process is to follow, during which a significant amount of evidence will need to be collected, and investigative actions will be taken. I promised that the investigation will be fast and efficient, and I appeal to everyone to remain restrained and calm, this allowing the investigative authorities the space to complete the investigation properly,” Kocevski said.

Asked whether the investigation has found that narcotics were being sold at the location, Kocevski responded that he cannot give any details at this point. As for the value of the bribes given and received, Kocevski said that this will be part of the investigation.

When asked whether witnesses or collaborators of justice have already been secured, Kocevski stated that there are none at the moment and urged anyone with possible evidence to contact the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

“At this stage of the investigation, we do not have a collaborator of justice. However, I appeal to all citizens, if they have any potential evidence or were eyewitnesses to the event, to report to the Public Prosecutor’s Office and provide a statement,” Kocevski said.

Earlier today, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Kochani ordered an investigation to be opened against 27 individuals and three legal entities, who are suspected of committing grave crimes against public safety as accomplices. All have been secured, and the Public Prosecutor's Office in Kochani is seeking detention, except for three individuals who are in the hospital.

Photo: MIA archive