Government held extraordinary online session, four conclusions on the funeral of victims in the fire in Kocani
The government held an extraordinary online session tonight and made four conclusions concerning the days of mourning and the funeral of the victims in the Kocani fire, which will be held tomorrow. State institutions are obliged, and it is recommended that the local self -government and the private sector workers release all employees on the territory of Kocani – Government spokeswoman Maria Miteva said tonight.
She clarified that health institutions, educational institutions and kindergartens should organize services according to needs.
– The MoI is obliged to take the necessary security and traffic measures. The Ministry of Health is obliged to provide ambulances. Kocani to take the measures and activities in accordance with its competencies – Miteva told the Government.
She also informed about the security protocol and guidelines for ethical reporting from the funeral of the victims of Kocani.
– The Government in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and in consultation with the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) have prepared a security protocol in reporting from the funeral of the victims of the tragic event that took place on March 16, 2025. For media reports reporting the event, police officers will provide a special zone from the path of the procession, 300 meters from the chapel entrance to the city cemetery in Kocani. This space will be provided by MoI members in order to guarantee order and security in the marked area. This zone will also apply the prohibition on drone management (drones) – Miteva explained.
This media protocol, he said, aims to protect the privacy of the families of the victims, while at the same time allows journalists and cameramen to safely watch the event from an appropriate distance.
– Given the sensitivity of this tragedy and universal ethical standards for professional reporting, the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) calls on all journalists and media to adhere to the following ethical principles: the families of the victims. Avoiding sensationalism – reporting on tragic events must be free of sensations, speculation or emotionally compacted narratives, photos and videos. We ask for the publication of verified information – confirmed facts should be transmitted to prevent misinformation. Saving balance and impartiality – the media should ensure that their reporting does not contribute to additional public anxiety – Miteva said.
She recalled that the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in her statement from 18 March 2025 for this tragedy also stressed the importance of ethical reporting.
« In order to ensure smooth movement and identification, media workers should own and press features and journalistic identities issued by their home media outlets, » Miteva added.
