Skopje, 19 November 2025 (MIA) – We expect a transparent procedure, the court sets the dynamics of the trial. All conditions have been met on our part, and I have hired several additional prosecutors so that the procedure is not delayed by the Prosecutor's Office, Chief Prosecutor Ljupcho Kocevski said commenting on personal expectations regarding the trial over the fire at the “Pulse” nightclub in Kochani, which began on Wednesday. 

In an interview with Sitel TV, the Chief Prosecutor said he does not believe it will take long until a first-instance decision is reached because certain deadlines are in place. 

He pointed out that three meetings have been held so far with parents of the victims in the deadly fire, in order to explain to them all aspects of the indictment, all the circumstances and the course of the procedure, as well as any questions they have.  

Kocevski noted that the investigation procedure involving about 30 police officers is nearing completion, and he expects the first public prosecutor's decision to be made in early December. He said he also expects the pre-trial procedure for persons employed in the Public Revenue Office to be completed during that time.

Asked about his opinion on the motion to establish a parliamentary committee of inquiry into the Kochani nightclub fire, which was put forward by lawmakers, Kocevski said "politics should keep its hands off this procedure because a court procedure is underway". He said he personally believes that it would not be expedient and necessary at this point, adding that such a committee could be set up after the court procedure to seek political responsibility.

On whether there has been any pressure on the Public Prosecutor's Office while the case was being formed in the past period, the Chief Prosecutor said there would not have been so many suspects and defendants included later in the procedure had there been any pressure.

"According to what I know from the team of public prosecutors, there has been no pressure from anyone, neither on me nor on the team. I must point out that in both procedures, criminal charges were filed by the Ministry of Interior. The Prosecutor's Office, as before, will not make any selection in relation to potential new defendants. Indictments will be filed against those for whom there is evidence," said Kocevski.

Photo: print screen / Sitel TV