In brief
In the wake of a devastating nightclub fire that claimed 59 lives in North Macedonia, officials are under investigation for potential misconduct related to the venue’s illegally issued hospitality permit. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has vowed accountability as the country mourns.
As the nation grieves after the catastrophic fire at Club Pulse, which occurred early Sunday and left at least 59 dead and over 150 injured, North Macedonian authorities are conducting an investigation into alleged official misconduct. Family members await updates on their loved ones at hospitals, while officials explore possible negligence over the venue's operating license.Initial reports indicate that the fire, which erupted during a concert, was fueled by fireworks that ignited the building's roof. Investigators revealed that the club, located in Kocani, had been registered improperly as an industrial facility rather than a hospitality establishment, and it possessed an illegally acquired hospitality permit issued by the economy ministry. Ljupco Kocevski, the public prosecutor, disclosed this information during a press conference on Sunday.Authorities have named former economy minister Kreshnik Bekteshi among those questioned, with unconfirmed reports of his detention, and additional arrests are said to involve other officials from related governmental agencies. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, addressing the nation, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and asserted that harsh measures would be pursued against those responsible for the illegal licensing.Mickoski condemned corruption, alleging that the club's license was secured through bribery in March of last year. The incident has left the entire country in mourning as families cope with the devastating aftermath of the fire.
