Thousands of individuals have taken to the streets in Belgrade, demanding accountability from Serbian leaders for the tragic collapse of a train station roof that resulted in the deaths of 15 people last month.
The government has endured seven weeks of widespread protests since the fatalities occurred in the northern city of Novi Sad, with many demonstrators accusing officials of corruption and insufficient oversight.
The protest, organized by students, began with a 15-minute moment of silence honoring the 15 victims of the incident.
This silence was followed by a “half-hour noise” segment, where participants used whistles and vuvuzelas to create an overwhelmingly loud atmosphere.
An interior ministry statement noted that as many as 29,000 individuals participated in the protest.
Banners held by protesters read statements like “The state is children’s property” and “Protests are exams,” as they called for the resignation of both the prime minister and the mayor of Novi Sad, along with the prosecution of those deemed responsible.
According to the interior ministry statement, up to 29,000 people attended the protest.
Farmers, actors, and various other groups from across Serbia also joined in.
Another demonstration occurred in the southern city of Nis.
Students have demanded the withdrawal of legal actions against demonstrators and the prosecution of those who have assaulted protesters in previous gatherings.
President Aleksandar Vucic, who stated yesterday that he “doesn’t really care” about the protests, described the demonstration as a “significantly large gathering.”
Emergency responders searched through the debris to find survivors following the tragic train station incident (Pic: Serbian Interior Ministry/ Handout).
In an Instagram video from the presidency building near the protest site, reportedly during the event, Mr. Vucic expressed his willingness to listen to the protesters’ demands.
“These people are opposition-oriented, and I have always been open to understanding their thoughts, beliefs, and what they perceive as important for our country,” he commented.
To alleviate tensions from the protests, authorities have promised various subsidies for young people in recent weeks.
On Friday, the government revealed plans to close schools early for winter holidays.
Nevertheless, students continued their protests.
Nearly every faculty at state universities throughout the country is currently blockaded by students.
“I am here because enough is enough,” stated architect Daria Poljolka, 27.
“We all came out because what is happening in this country simply does not make sense.”
On November 1, fourteen individuals, aged between six and 74, lost their lives when the roof collapsed after extensive renovation work on the station, with a 15th victim succumbing to injuries in the hospital weeks later.
