Thousands marched through North Macedonia’s capital on Saturday, demanding justice for the victims of the country’s deadliest nightclub fire ahead of a trial set to begin next week.

The March 16 blaze, sparked by pyrotechnics that engulfed the roof of the crowded Pulse club in the eastern town of Kocani, killed 63 people and injured more than 200 in an ensuing stampede.

Protesters dressed in black, including relatives of the victims, marched to the criminal court carrying a large banner with photos of their loved ones.

Many parents blame corruption and greed for the death of their children.

Authorities said the venue had serious safety violations and was operating with the wrong license. The trial is scheduled to begin next Wednesday.

The prosecution filed indictments for 34 people and representatives of three legal entities, including the security firm and the club owner's companies. They are accused of “serious crimes against public security."

In addition to the club owner, other defendants include inspectors, security guards, civil servants, former economy ministers and former mayors of Kocani. If found guilty, they face up to ten years in prison.

Corruption has long plagued North Macedonia. The Berlin-based monitor Transparency International ranked North Macedonia in 88th place globally on its Corruption Perception Index last year, one of the worst in Europe.

Bribes to authorities to skip licensing requirements and skirt safety regulations are commonplace.

The European Union has repeatedly expressed concerns over pervasive corruption in the country, identifying it as a major obstacle to the nation's accession to the bloc. North Macedonia is a veteran candidate country, waiting for entry into the EU since 2005.