According to North Macedonian police, the Pulse nightclub, where the fire started, was operating with a fake license and did not meet even basic safety regulations.

Yesterday, funerals were held for the 59 victims of the tragedy in an atmosphere of deep sorrow, including six minors among them.

No politicians from either the government or the opposition attended the victims’ funerals.

North Macedonia’s Attorney General, Ljupčo Kočevski, who is leading the investigation into the tragic incident, stated today that over 650 people, including at least 30 minors, were inside the club on that fateful night, despite its capacity being much smaller. He also confirmed that a criminal investigation has been launched against 34 individuals.

Last night, police arrested Ljupčo Papazov, the recently resigned mayor of Kočani, along with two other former mayors of the city. They are suspected of being aware that the nightclub, which has been operating since 2012, had an illegal license and of covering up the violation.

Among those arrested is former Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi (from the opposition and largest Albanian party in North Macedonia, DUI), who has been remanded in custody for 30 days. Bekteshi is being investigated for issuing a fraudulent operating license to the nightclub while serving in office.

Meanwhile, authorities are intensifying inspections of entertainment venues across the country. Government spokesperson Maria Miteva stated today that over 80 such establishments have been inspected in recent days, with several being shut down for lacking proper licenses or failing to comply with safety regulations for visitors.