Skopje, 19 November 2025 (MIA) - Judge Diana Gruevska-Ilievska, who is presiding over the judges’ council in the trial over the deadly fire at the “Pulse” nightclub in Kochani, in an address before the beginning of the first hearing on Wednesday said she would demand discipline from all parties and those present in the courtroom, stressing that any unnecessary postponement will result in sanctions.

The Court, Gruevska-Ilievska said, will respect the sorrow and pain of the families of the dead and injured, but it will act professionally and allow all parties to present their theories and provide evidence.

“We will respect the pain and sorrow of the parents and the families, but we are professionals and we will allow everyone to present their theories and provide evidence. As a council, we can guarantee that we will be as transparent as we can be, and you will be informed about all developments,” the judge said.

Gruevska-Ilievska said the Court cannot guarantee swift proceedings because, she said, “rushing can lead to mistakes and a collapse of proceedings”.

“This council will do everything it can to ensure the trial proceeds smoothly. No one knows how long the process will last,” Gruevska-Ilievska said.

At the first hearing in the trial, Skopje’s Basic Criminal Court decided to merge the main case with the case against the owner of “Rubikon”, the security agency engaged at the “Pulse” nightclub.

The hearing was held in a full courtroom and under heightened security measures. The families of the 63 victims who lost their lives in the March 16 fire were also present, as well as several domestic and foreign journalists.

The case involves 38 defendants – 35 people and three legal entities. Among the defendants, charged with grave crimes against general safety, are venue owners, managers, inspectors, mayors, security personnel, and government officials.