The mayor of Kocani, Ljupcho Papazov, who stepped down just two days ago, was arrested today alongside two former mayors of the city.
The arrests stem from their alleged knowledge and concealment of the illegal operations of a nightclub where a devastating fire claimed 59 lives in the early hours of last Sunday. Authorities claim the venue had been operating unlawfully for a decade, with the trio accused of turning a blind eye to the violations.
The blaze, one of the deadliest incidents in North Macedonia’s recent history, has plunged the nation into grief and sparked outrage over systemic failures. Investigators are probing how the club evaded regulations for so long, with evidence pointing to a cover-up by local officials.
A Nation in Darkness and Mourning
As the country reels from the tragedy, a large swath of North Macedonia has been cast into literal and symbolic darkness. The student organisation “Student Plenum” has called on citizens to stay home tonight between 20:00 and 21:00 local time (21:00 to 22:00 Greek time) and switch off their lights in a silent tribute to the victims.
In a poignant social media statement, the group urged: “We call on all of you—in every town, village, settlement, and neighbourhood—to show the darkness that has enveloped us and keep the streets empty. Let silence speak, in honor and memory of those who left so early.” The initiative honors the 59 lives lost in the Kocani fire, with funerals held earlier today amid widespread mourning.
Reports indicate that much of the population is heeding the call, as homes across the country dim their lights in solidarity. The arrests and the student-led action underscore the deep sorrow and anger gripping North Macedonia as it grapples with the aftermath of this preventable tragedy.