Puls trial in Kocani: parents say "The truth is established by evidence, not reshaped by the defence"
Defence presented expert testimony today; parents’ representative said construction interventions and responsibility cannot be downplayed after the March 16, 2025 disaster.
The trial over the Pulse nightclub fire in Kocani resumed today with the defence presenting its evidence, while relatives of the victims criticised attempts to minimise construction interventions at the scene.
Experts and disputes over reconstruction
At the hearing, the defence called an expert for the first accused who described work on the building as craft-type interventions — steel columns, metal consoles to strengthen the inter-floor structure and a changed facade — and said there had been no formal reconstruction. Parents’ representative Aleksandar Naunov challenged that line, saying such descriptions cannot erase responsibility for safety and loss of life.
“The law on construction was clearly misunderstood — that you build without permission and afterwards claim you only carried out craft work. And when a tragedy happens, those on the defendant’s bench say they are not responsible. Does the defence want to impose this interpretation before the court? The right to defence is indisputable, but construction interventions do not disappear with their application, nor is responsibility avoided by playing with words. This is not just about building and structures, but about safety, responsibility and 63 dead children who will never return. The truth is not reconstructed according to the needs of the defence; it is established by the evidence,” said Aleksandar Naunov, the representative of the parents of children who died in the Pulse fire.
At the previous hearing, the prosecution cross-examined expert Petre Ruseski, who maintained his position that the venue did not undergo a reconstruction or change of use but only interior arrangement. The prosecution challenged his expertise and his knowledge of the construction law, while the defence asked that questions concentrate on his findings.
The defence also signalled it may request a counter-expertise if discrepancies arise between the two sides’ expert reports.
The fire broke out on 16 March 2025 during a performance by the band DNK; 63 people were killed and more than 200 were injured.
Photo: press material from the event
