KOCANI, NORTH MACEDONIA – MARCH 21
TRIO HELD AFTER CLUB FIRE HORROR THAT KILLED 59
Three former mayors of Kocani have been arrested following a nightclub inferno that killed 59 people and injured nearly 200 more in one of North Macedonia’s worst peacetime tragedies.
Police swooped in overnight, detaining Ljup?o Papazov — who recently stepped down — along with ex-mayors Nikol?o Iliev and Ratko Dimitrovski. Prosecutors say the trio knew the “Pulse” nightclub was operating illegally for over a decade and turned a blind eye.
500+ PEOPLE WERE INSIDE THE CLUB WHEN THE FIRE BROKE OUT
The blaze ripped through the venue in the early hours of March 16, trapping partygoers during a live performance. Investigators say the club had no valid license, no pyrotechnics permits, and allowed minors inside.
Locals say the club’s illegal status was an open secret.
“Everyone knew the place was illegal. It’s shocking it was allowed to stay open this long,” said one resident.
Police confirmed the operation was ordered by Kocani’s Public Prosecutor’s Office. Raids continued into the night, with more arrests possible.
Papazov was questioned earlier this week, and prosecutors are now deciding whether to press full charges. Dimitrovski served from 2009 to 2017, followed by Iliev from 2017 to 2021.
Prosecutors say the arrests are just the beginning.
