Prosecution presents phone communications as evidence in the trial over the “Pulse” tragedy

The court hearing on the tragic fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani continues today at Idrizovo prison, where 63 people lost their lives and more than 200 others were injured, as the proceedings enter a new stage in the presentation of evidence.

During today’s hearing, the Public Prosecutor’s Office is expected to continue presenting material evidence, with transcripts of phone communications taking center stage. After this phase, the only items remaining from the evidence proposed by the prosecution will be the construction expert report and the hearing of expert witnesses.

At the previous hearing, a large number of documents and official records were presented. These included records from inspections, certificates for items temporarily seized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, notifications and correspondence from the State Market Inspectorate of Shtip, documentation from the State Market Inspectorate, as well as orders and records from inspections carried out in connection with the legal entities “Classic DM” and “MMMM Kafe”.

Public prosecutor Natasha Saramandova described the criminal case as exceptionally complex, stressing that the file contains a large volume of evidence. According to her, the evidentiary procedure is approaching its end, and most of the evidence relates to the circumstances that led to the tragic consequences — the deaths of 63 people and serious bodily injuries to more than 200 others, among them many young people and children.

She also explained that, because of the legal limitations that apply at this stage of the proceedings, the prosecution is not in a position to give detailed answers to the defense’s remarks and objections, but said this would be addressed in the closing arguments.

After the prosecution closes its evidentiary procedure, the defense will take its turn to present its material evidence, witnesses, and two expert reports.

The proceedings are being led by Judge Dijana Gruevska-Ilievska, while the prosecution is represented by a team of 15 public prosecutors.

The fire at the Pulse nightclub broke out on March 16, 2025, during a performance by the music group DNA, and is considered one of the greatest tragedies in Macedonia’s recent history.