Trial Begins for 35 in Fatal North Macedonia Nightclub Fire

A major trial has started for 35 individuals and three companies linked to a 2021 nightclub fire that killed 63 people in North Macedonia. The blaze occurred in the city of Bitola. Prosecutors allege that years of negligence and safety failures made the club a death trap. They argue that officials ignored building code violations and fire safety regulations for a long time. The defendants face charges for their roles in the incident. The proceedings represent a significant effort to establish accountability for one of the country's worst tragedies.