Mass Protest in Skopje Demands Justice for the Kocani Tragedy

Defying the rain, approximately 10,000 people participated tonight (March 24, 2025) in a march through the center of Skopje. Protesters once again demanded accountability from all those involved in the illegal operation of the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, where 59 people lost their lives on March 16 due to a fire. The protest march was organized by a citizens’ initiative called “Who’s Next?” which argues that a series of tragic accidents over the past few years in North Macedonia are the result of widespread corruption in the country. Protesters held a large banner reading “The system is next,” while chanting slogans such as “Justice for the victims,” “Murderers, murderers,” and “Your profits, our lives.” Milena Janevska, a representative of the citizens’ initiative, stated: “We expect accountability from everyone connected to the tragedy in Kocani, not only them but also all those involved in previous tragedies in the country, so they can be held accountable transparently before justice and public opinion.” Protesters initially gathered at the central square in Skopje, where they left flowers and lit candles in memory of the deceased, then headed toward a hospital in the city center to applaud and honor the medical and nursing staff caring for the burn victims from the Kocani nightclub fire. The march concluded in front of the government building in Skopje, where protesters observed 16 minutes of silence in memory of the victims and requested that the government disclose all documents from responsible public services that allowed the illegal operation of the nightclub in Kocani in recent years. The march, which began exactly at 18:59 local time to commemorate the 59 victims of the Kocani tragedy, ended peacefully without incidents. Organizers had announced that no party symbols would be allowed during the march, emphasizing it as a social protest movement unaffiliated with any political alignment. This evening’s event was the second demonstration in Skopje following the one on March 18 regarding the Kocani tragedy. Similar protests occurred today in other cities across the country, with a universal call for justice and action against rampant corruption. Prime Minister Christian Mitsoski acknowledged public anger about the factors leading to the Kocani tragedy but accused opposition politicians of exploiting the protests for petty political gain.