Thousands Gather in N Macedonia Before Nightclub Fire Trial

Thousands protested in Skopje, North Macedonia, demanding justice for the 63 victims of a deadly nightclub fire in Kocani during a concert in March. The rally precedes the trial of 34 individuals, including the club owner and former officials, charged with serious crimes against public safety. Families blame corruption and safety violations for the tragedy, with many victims aged 16 to 26. Authorities have linked the fire to pyrotechnics and identified numerous safety lapses at the unlicensed venue.