Protests Erupt in North Macedonia After Nightclub Fire Kills 59

A devastating fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, resulted in 59 deaths and over 150 injuries during a concert on March 17, 2025. The tragedy has ignited widespread protests as citizens demand accountability from local authorities, whom they accuse of corruption and negligence that allowed the club to operate with inadequate safety measures, including a lack of emergency exits and fire equipment. Demonstrators clashed with police in Kocani, leading to violence as they expressed their anger over the disaster, which disproportionately affected young people. The Prime Minister pledged that those responsible would be held accountable, while investigations revealed that the club was operating illegally with a capacity exceeding twice its limit. Health officials reported that many injured victims are being treated in neighboring countries and a national day of mourning was observed. As the community mourns, relatives of the victims are struggling with the identification process, highlighting the profound impact of the disaster on the tight-knit town.