Skopje, 29 April 2025 (MIA) – A meeting is underway at the Ministry of Interior between Minister Panche Toshkovski and the families of the victims in the 'Pulse' nightclub fire in Kochani, who are holding a protest march in Skopje on Tuesday. 

At the meeting, Toshkovski expressed his belief that justice must be served in this case if we want to have a normal country, pointing out that in the interest of the investigation, he cannot provide further details at this time.

"I don't want to make politics out of this. I don't think the children deserve this. Believe me. The investigation is still ongoing. Seventy people are suspects so far. I understand what you're saying, and I understand the anger," Toshkovski said. 

Toshkovski pointed out, among other, that an incumbent minister, an incumbent director of the Protection and Rescue Directorate and an incumbent mayor have so far been suspected in the case.

Toshkovski's meeting with the families of the victims continues without the presence of the media.

The march by the families of the victims in the Kochani fire began at 12:05 pm outside the Prosecutor’s Office in Skopje, symbolizing delayed institutional response. The families of the victims then proceeded to the Parliament. 

After calling for accountability and resignations outside the Parliament building, the families of the victims met with Levica MPs Boris Krmov and Jovana Mojsoska, who came out of the Parliament first, followed by SDSM MPs, including the opposition leader Venko Filipche.

VMRO-DPMNE whip Nikola Micevski told the 46th parliamentary session debating on the no-confidence motion against Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski that Minister Toshkovski will meet with the families of the victims in the Kochani fire. 

The families of the victims in the 'Pulse' nightclub fire in Kochani previously outside the Prosecutor’s Office in Skopje called for accountability and demanded resignations of all those responsible, as well as formation of an expert government.

Photo: Print screen / Portalb