SKOPJE (Reuters) -Thousands gathered in the North Macedonian capital of Skopje on Saturday in protest over a night club fire in March which killed 63 people. Families of those killed and their supporters, holding pictures and dressed in black, demanded justice for the victims of the blaze, which broke out during a hip hop concert in […]
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Thousands protest in Skopje ahead of trial over deadly night club fire
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SKOPJE (Reuters) -Thousands gathered in the North Macedonian capital of Skopje on Saturday in protest over a night club fire in March which killed 63 people.
Families of those killed and their supporters, holding pictures and dressed in black, demanded justice for the victims of the blaze, which broke out during a hip hop concert in Kocani, a town of 25,000 people 50 miles (80 km) east of Skopje.
North Macedonian authorities have charged 37 people in connection with the fire.
“There is a hope that we will not forget, hope that we will not give up, and hope that we will finally have a proceeding in this country in which everyone, everyone responsible will be held accountable,” said Bojan Eftimov, one of the protesters.
Dozens were injured as they scrambled to get out through the unlicensed venue’s only exit as flames spread across its roof. Authorities believe it was set alight by sparks from flares.
A first trial hearing is expected to begin on November 19.
(Reporting by Fedja Grulovic and Malgorzata Wojtunik; Writing by Angeliki Koutantou; Editing by Alexander Smith)