The long-awaited trial for the catastrophic fire at the “Pulse” nightclub in Kocani, which claimed 63 young lives and injured more than 200, officially opened today inside the Idrizovo prison courtroom.
Families, prosecutors, former officials, and the club owner himself now stand face to face in what is expected to be one of the most painful legal processes in Macedonia’s recent history.
“We demand discipline.”
Presiding Judge Diana Gruevska-Ilievska began the hearing with strict courtroom rules:
“We know the pain of loved ones… but we must remain professional. Any disrespect or delay will be sanctioned.”
She added that no one knows how long the trial will last — it could stretch from five months to five years — cautioning that speed must never replace accuracy.
The man families blame sits in the room
Among those present was Dejan Jovanov – Deko, owner of “Pulse,” the figure parents say they hold most responsible. Emotions inside the courtroom ran high.
This trial will test whether Macedonia’s public can accept a fair, evidence-based verdict or whether it will demand punishment at any cost.
A tragedy years in the making
According to prosecutors, the disaster was not caused solely by pyrotechnics used that night.
The roots of the tragedy trace back to 2012, when Jovanov opened “Pulse” inside a facility originally designed for light industry, not a nightclub. From that moment, investigators say, the club was a death trap.
Prosecutor Borche Janev stated:
“You will see what this man was willing to do for profit.”
He emphasized that institutional failure, not just individual actions, paved the way for the catastrophe.
“Institutional evil”
In a powerful opening statement, the prosecutor described the tragedy as:
“The final act of institutional evil. That night, the future of many young people burned.”
Parents silently cried as he spoke.
Prosecutors argue that no inspector ever checked the club, and that authorities repeatedly ignored zoning violations, risks, and warnings. Even after the first permit request was rejected, a second request from Jovanov was quickly approved and signed by then-Minister of Economy Valjon Saracini.
The club should never have legally operated as a cabaret, the prosecution says.
Evidence will reportedly show:
- Institutions passed responsibility back and forth
- No safety checks were done for years
- Risk assessments were ignored
- After the tragedy, nationwide inspections suddenly found multiple unsafe venues
- Jovanov allegedly involved family members in illegal operations
The prosecutor described the system as:
“A vortex that began in 2012 and ended in tragedy.”
Parents applauded when prosecutors finished their opening arguments.
One grieving mother, Svetlana, said:
“Bravo to the prosecutors. Shame on the defense lawyers who defend the people that killed our children.”
What comes next
The next hearing is scheduled for November 25, when the defense teams representing 35 accused individuals and three legal entities will present their opening statements.
The courtroom is now the place where Macedonia must confront its institutional failures, its grief, and its demand for truth.
For many families, this trial marks the first real step toward healing — and accountability.
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