THE OMBUDSMAN EXPRESSES SYMPATHY FOR THE TRAGIC EVENT IN KOCHANI AND APPEALS TO THE AUTHORITIES TO ESTABLISH LIABILITY AND LEGAL CONCLUSION OF THE CASE

17.03.2025, SKOPJE

The Ombudsman expresses his deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the tragic event in Kochani, where 59 people, most of whom were children and young people, lost their lives during a concert in a facility that did not even remotely resemble a disco. In these difficult and tragic moments, there are no words of comfort for the parents who lost their children. In this unprecedented tragedy, the lives of young people who were supposed to represent the future of our country and be our pride were lost. In a few minutes, on Sunday, we lost an entire generation, some of them on the threshold of adulthood, some future doctors, lawyers, IT specialists...

On this occasion, the Ombudsman appeals to all institutions to investigate in the most professional, fast and efficient manner possible, so that this unfortunate event does not remain without a legal conclusion. After all, only a thorough investigation in which the responsibility of everyone involved in this tragic event will be determined gives us proof that the rule of law is functioning and that all those who have placed themselves above the laws and regulations will be held accountable accordingly. Such a tragedy must never remain unresolved until the end, because impunity and the lack of functioning of the institutions of the system in the past period have led to a situation where such tragic events are repeated.

The Ombudsman will open a case on its own initiative, in order, within the framework of his powers, to examine all the circumstances of the case, more precisely to determine whether, when and how the authorities acted in connection with the verification of the legality of the operations of the company that managed the facility, from several aspects.

On this occasion, the Ombudsman wishes all injured persons a speedy and successful recovery.