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Serbia in uproar: protests demand justice for Novi Sad tragedy victims
Reuters
Thousands of protesters gathered in Belgrade on Sunday, demanding accountability for the collapse of the roof at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1st, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people and injuries to 2 others
The protest, organized by student and farmer unions, saw farmers, artists, and citizens filling Slavija Square to express their solidarity.
The placards seen at the protest included messages such as "Your hands are stained with blood" and "Is your conscience at ease?" One placard read, "Students are the voice of reason."
Government Response and Protesters' Skepticism
Under the increasing pressure of the protests, President Aleksandar Vučić revoked the confidentiality of documents related to the construction and renovation of the railway station. However, students have called these documents "incomplete," stating that they do not provide full information about the incident.
The student movement is also demanding the release of those detained during previous protests. As a result of ongoing demonstrations, classes at many universities in Serbia have been suspended for weeks, with students holding sit-ins at faculty buildings. Academic staff, opposition politicians, and prominent artists have shown support for the students' protests, reinforcing calls for transparency and reforms.
Despite this, Vučić has urged students to return to classes, claiming their demands have been met.
Accountability Under Question
The Novi Sad tragedy has sparked widespread criticism of the government's oversight and management. Allegations of negligence during the renovation works carried out in 2021 have raised serious concerns.
The prosecution has arrested 11 individuals in connection with the incident, including former Minister of Construction Goran Vesić. Among those detained are Jelena Tanasković, Director of Serbian Railway Infrastructure, former director Nebojša Šurlan, and the Minister of Railway Transport, Anita Dimoski. Vesić resigned on November 5th amid public outrage, while Foreign Trade Minister Tomislav Momirović also stepped down after the scandal. Momirović had served as Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure in Ana Brnabić’s government from 2020 to 2022.
More than 40 individuals have been questioned in connection with the incident. Opposition parties criticize the government’s handling of the case, claiming that the tragedy stemmed from systematic negligence.
A Nationwide Movement of Concern
The protests have become a unifying issue across Serbia, with people from various walks of life joining the calls for accountability. The growing movement expresses deep dissatisfaction with the government’s lack of transparency and accountability.
As the protests continue, demands for justice for the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy and for significant reforms remain at the forefront of public discussions, marking a critical moment in Serbia’s political landscape.
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