North Macedonia appeals for calm as nightclub fire deaths trigger protests

People argue with policemen outside the home of the owner of a nightclub that was the scene of a massive fire, after a vigil for the victims in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia (Armin Durgut/AP)

Authorities in North Macedonia are appealing for calm as student groups called for fresh protests after the nightclub fire that killed 59 people and injured more than 150 over the weekend.

The disaster, which occurred early on Sunday at Club Pulse in the eastern town of Kocani after pyrotechnics were used during a concert there, has sparked outrage over alleged corruption and safety violations.