Skopje, 5 March 2026 (MIA) – The court decided on Thursday not to consolidate the ongoing court proceedings and the latest indictment against 13 police officers in connection with the deadly fire that broke out at the Pulse nightclub in Kochani, submitted on January 30, 2026, on the grounds that consolidation would lead to a delay in all proceedings.  

Judge Dijana Gruevska Ilievski noted that, taking into account the evidence presentation phase and the fact that the Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecuting Organized Crime and Corruption has filed three more proceedings with a total of 25 defendants, one of which is in the final phase, consolidation would be contrary to the principle of judicial economy and the obligation of the court to act without unnecessary delay, in the interest of the defendants.

"Given that in addition to the team of 15 prosecutors handling this case, it would also require involvement of additional prosecutors from the Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecuting Organized Crime and Corruption," said the judge. 

The fire in the Pulse nightclub in Kochani broke out on March 16, 2025, during a concert by hip-hop duo DNK, claiming 63 lives and injuring over 200. The trial is taking place under strict security protocols, and the proceedings are being conducted against more than 30 people and three legal entities for serious crimes against public security. The prosecution is represented by a team of 15 public prosecutors, and the trial proceeds with presentation of evidence and questioning of witnesses.

Photo: MIA archive