The recent tragedy in Kochani, which claimed another victim, has intensified the demand for a thorough investigation and accountability for institutional failures. According to SDSM spokesperson Bogdanka Kuzeska, the dire consequences and numerous victims necessitate a non-selective investigation holding everyone responsible.

Kuzeska highlighted that despite multiple oversights leading up to and during the event, no commander, inspector, chief, or official from the Ministry of Interior (including OVR Kochani, SVR Shtip, or BJB) has been questioned or included in the investigation, despite their legal obligation to act on March 16.

The Law on Public Gatherings mandates a police presence and security plan for mass events exceeding 600 attendees, regardless of formal reporting. Kuzeska asserted that the Ministry of Interior failed to prepare a security plan or conduct a risk assessment, despite public knowledge of the event. The Ministry is also responsible for permitting and controlling indoor pyrotechnics, the primary cause of the fire. Police officers present at the event allegedly witnessed minors, pyrotechnics, an unreported event, and an unlicensed club, yet took no action.

Kuzeska stated that control mechanisms and security under the Ministry of Interior’s jurisdiction, particularly the Bureau of Public Security, SVR Shtip, and OVR Kochani, failed. She questioned the lack of accountability for current police officials in positions at the time, singling out Tomo Donev, head of the criminal police in Kochani, who was photographed at a VMRO-DPMNE party meeting, violating the prohibition of political activity for police officers.

Kuzeska asked whether this proximity to DPMNE is why current Ministry of Interior officials have been excluded from the investigation. She emphasized that this is not a political matter but one of responsibility and justice, asserting that citizens, victims, and their families deserve answers and the public demands accountability from everyone involved.