In the case of the fire at the discotheque in Kocani, 18 people have been arrested so far, while 16 people have been detained, the Minister of Interior of North Macedonia, Pance Toshkovski, has announced, "Alsat-M" reports.
As a result of the fire, 59 people died and over 150 were injured.
Toshkovski said that 71 people were interviewed in the case, 42 in Skopje and 29 in Kocani. 14 people were ordered to be detained for 48 hours.
Detention has been imposed on 11 people on suspicion of "serious crimes against general security", while three people have been placed under detention for "irregular operation".
Toshkovski, at a press conference at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, informed today that the latest arrestee is accused of "serious offenses against general security" in relation to causing general danger, and is also a signatory of one of the documents necessary for the operation of the cabaret club.
"There are grounds that the essential documents were compiled illegally, indiscriminately, without ascertaining the factual situation, which were a prerequisite in the further procedure for putting the cabaret in question into operation," said Toshkovski.
Chief Prosecutor Ljubco Kocevski said that the suspects in the fire case, if found guilty, could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.
"At this initial stage, the responsibility of all those involved in the events and those who will be fully ascertained will be assessed through the prism of the criminal offense "Serious offenses against general security" under Article 292 of the Criminal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of at least 3 years, without a maximum sentence limit, which means that the sentence can be extended to 20 years. In addition, acts of taking and giving bribes, illegal procurement and use of pyrotechnic devices, as well as other criminal offenses are also being examined," said Kocevski.
Kocevski was also quoted today by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, underlining that 20 years in prison will be sought for the suspects.
"They are individuals who think they are above the system. This is the problem and they are in detention today. And they will be held accountable for this. And there is no limit to the length of the sentence, I heard the prosecutor say they will seek a higher sentence, a possible sentence of 20 years," said Mickoski.
However, among the accused there are also representatives of institutions or official persons, who must account for abuse of office, and that according to the amendments to the criminal code in 2023, lighter sentences are foreseen. Kocevski said that it is speculation and manipulation to declare that the amendments to the criminal code will have effects on establishing responsibility for the suspects in this case.
On Tuesday, the State Market Inspectorate in North Macedonia launched a comprehensive action targeting gastronomic establishments, nightclubs, discos and cabarets.
The Ministry of Economy in North Macedonia updated the register of licenses issued during the day and according to it, out of 215 venues for cabarets, nightclubs, discos and open-air clubs, only 22 venues have valid licenses.
59 victims of the Kocani tragedy identified
Alsat M
North Macedonia's Minister of Internal Affairs, Pance Toshkovski, has said that all 59 victims of the fire at the nightclub in Kocani have been identified, Alsat-M reports.
Over 150 people were injured in the fire in the early hours of Sunday.
Toshkovski, in a statement to the media, said that seven police officers in Kocani and Shtip have been dismissed from their duties.
He said this was done on purpose to ensure an unimpeachable investigation.
