The Platform of Civil Society Organizations in the Fight against Corruption expresses deep condolences for the citizens who tragically lost their lives in the fire at the “disco” in Kocani and expresses sincere wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

The fire in Kocani is just the latest in a series of events that show that corruption kills. Unfortunately, after the case in Laskarci, the case with “Besa Trans,” the fire in the modular hospital in Tetovo, the fire in the “disco” in Kocani had to happen to remind us once again that decades of systemic corruption takes lives.

The Platform is closely following the proceedings in the Kocani fire case and points out that the least that needs to be ensured now is a comprehensive, thorough, impartial, and non-partisan investigation. We demand that the investigation be conducted in an accountable and transparent manner and that those who are legally competent to do so report on it.

At this moment, accountability is key and no one should be exempt from it, regardless of party affiliation, religious or ethnic affiliation, or whether they are a former or current official. Until we create a system in which the right people with integrity are in the right positions, we should not give up.

In the decade-long existence of the Platform of Civil Society Organizations in the Fight against Corruption, we have constantly reacted and demanded changes in various segments of the system that, if adopted, would prevent such outcomes. Systemic changes are needed that will show that there is a real will and commitment to an uncompromising fight against corruption from all stakeholders, especially those in charge. Unfortunately, practice consistently shows that the desire for personal enrichment has always been above that for creating a system in which rules and procedures will be respected equally by everyone, at all levels of society.

Considering the declared days of mourning, the Platform will refrain from further comments on this specific case for now, but we announce that next week we will organize a press conference at which we will announce our specific demands that we expect to be implemented by the competent authorities, and we will follow this up to begin a collective uncompromising fight against corruption.

 

Supported by:
ESTIMA, Bitola

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