Tragedy in North Macedonia: Fire Claims 59 Lives, Day of Mourning Declared in Serbia
Sixty people dead and many injured in a devastating nightclub fire; Serbia announces national day of mourning.
A catastrophic fire at a nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, has resulted in the deaths of at least 59 individuals and injuries to 155 others.
The incident occurred during the night between Saturday and Sunday while a concert was being held, drawing hundreds of young attendees.
In response to this unprecedented tragedy, the government of Serbia has declared a national day of mourning.
This official recognition, as mandated by law, is reserved for particularly severe disasters that result in significant loss of life, injuries, or serious health impacts on a large number of people.
A day of mourning may also be proclaimed following the death of a prominent state official or an individual of national merit.
The Serbian government unanimously voted to declare the day of mourning during a cabinet meeting held on Sunday, which was attended by the President of Serbia.
The mourning period, as established by the government's decision, will last until determined otherwise but cannot exceed three days.
It commences at midnight and concludes at midnight on the specified last day of mourning.
During the day of mourning, Serbian flags are to be flown at half-mast.
Public bodies and organizations, as well as other legal entities that display flags, are required to lower the national flag of Serbia to half-mast, with appropriate lighting at night.
Broadcasting organizations are obliged to inform the public about the declaration of the day of mourning, including the programming adjustments mandated by the relevant Serbian authorities.
They must also notify audiences about commemorative gatherings organized in relation to the tragedy.
Instead of humorous or entertainment programming, broadcasts must feature music and shows that are appropriate for a day of mourning.
Publishers of daily newspapers must print their editions in black ink on the day of mourning, prominently noting the declaration and its observance.
In educational institutions, a moment of silence is observed at the beginning of classes, and music education programs must be adjusted accordingly.
Cultural institutions such as museums, theaters, and cinemas are required to modify their programs to observe the day respectfully.
In the realm of sports, flags at sports facilities will also be displayed at half-mast.
Before the commencement of sporting events, referees will signal a minute of silence to honor the victims of the tragedy, along with appropriate messages of respect.
Entertainment and folk music broadcasts, as well as public entertainment activities, are prohibited during this official mourning period.
Enforcement of these regulations falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and relevant ministries, including culture, information, and education.
Violations of these laws may incur fines ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 dinars for organizations and 2,000 to 10,000 dinars for individuals.
The incident occurred during the night between Saturday and Sunday while a concert was being held, drawing hundreds of young attendees.
In response to this unprecedented tragedy, the government of Serbia has declared a national day of mourning.
This official recognition, as mandated by law, is reserved for particularly severe disasters that result in significant loss of life, injuries, or serious health impacts on a large number of people.
A day of mourning may also be proclaimed following the death of a prominent state official or an individual of national merit.
The Serbian government unanimously voted to declare the day of mourning during a cabinet meeting held on Sunday, which was attended by the President of Serbia.
The mourning period, as established by the government's decision, will last until determined otherwise but cannot exceed three days.
It commences at midnight and concludes at midnight on the specified last day of mourning.
During the day of mourning, Serbian flags are to be flown at half-mast.
Public bodies and organizations, as well as other legal entities that display flags, are required to lower the national flag of Serbia to half-mast, with appropriate lighting at night.
Broadcasting organizations are obliged to inform the public about the declaration of the day of mourning, including the programming adjustments mandated by the relevant Serbian authorities.
They must also notify audiences about commemorative gatherings organized in relation to the tragedy.
Instead of humorous or entertainment programming, broadcasts must feature music and shows that are appropriate for a day of mourning.
Publishers of daily newspapers must print their editions in black ink on the day of mourning, prominently noting the declaration and its observance.
In educational institutions, a moment of silence is observed at the beginning of classes, and music education programs must be adjusted accordingly.
Cultural institutions such as museums, theaters, and cinemas are required to modify their programs to observe the day respectfully.
In the realm of sports, flags at sports facilities will also be displayed at half-mast.
Before the commencement of sporting events, referees will signal a minute of silence to honor the victims of the tragedy, along with appropriate messages of respect.
Entertainment and folk music broadcasts, as well as public entertainment activities, are prohibited during this official mourning period.
Enforcement of these regulations falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and relevant ministries, including culture, information, and education.
Violations of these laws may incur fines ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 dinars for organizations and 2,000 to 10,000 dinars for individuals.
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