Deadly Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia Sparks Corruption Protests
Authorities in North Macedonia shut down dozens of clubs and entertainment venues over license violations this week following a fire in a nightclub that killed 59 people over the weekend, even as protests spread across the country, the Associated Press reported.
Thousands of people protested in the eastern town of Kočani on Wednesday, demanding justice and action against misconduct following the deadly fire at the town’s Pulse nightclub early Sunday. Protesters say the club’s license was obtained illegally and that corruption allowed the makeshift venue – a converted carpet warehouse – to operate without proper safety measures, the Guardian noted.
Meanwhile, government officials said on Wednesday that they moved aggressively to inspect clubs’ licenses, finding that fewer than half of all of the 50 establishments inspected had valid documents.
The fire broke out during a pyrotechnic display at the indoor venue that was later found to have not enough emergency exits and fire extinguishers, allowed overcrowding, and restricted access for emergency vehicles.
More than 150 people were injured from burns, smoke inhalation, and during a stampede toward the club’s single exit.
Police have detained 16 people after questioning more than 70 individuals.
The country declared a week of national mourning.
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