Prosecution rejects Dejan Jovanov’s offer to use illegal buildings as bail

The Prosecution has rejected a proposal by Puls nightclub owner Dejan Jovanov to secure his release from house arrest with a package of outbuildings and illegal structures, including items now subject to enforcement proceedings. Jovanov is the first accused in the main indictment that names 34 defendants in connection with the March 16, 2025 nightclub fire.

"The Prosecution for Organized Crime has asked that the owner of 'Puls' Dejan Jovanov not be allowed to be released from custody on 3 October, and has also requested new detention for giving a bribe in the Ministry of Economy." The prosecution made the move as prosecutors representing the main case said they do not accept his proposal.

Judicial decision expected today

A pretrial judge is due to decide today on a separate detention request tied to an investigation into alleged bribery. Prosecutors say Jovanov bribed Dževad Kamberi of the Ministry of Economy to obtain licenses for the unsafe venue that later caught fire.

The blaze at the illegal Puls nightclub on 16 March 2025 killed 63 young people and children and injured more than 200 others. Jovanov’s legal team had offered as collateral various auxiliary premises — a shed, a barn and other illegal buildings — some of which are reportedly already subject to enforcement actions.

Under existing measures, Jovanov is due to leave custody on 3 October unless a court orders otherwise. Prosecutors have asked the court to prevent his release and to order new detention in the bribery case pending the judge’s ruling.

Photo: SDK.MK)