Thousands in Belgrade held a silent protest outside RTS, honouring victims of a roof collapse. University students demanded justice for the tragedy, blaming Serbian authorities.
Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters in Belgrade on Friday stood in silence in front of the state television RTS building for 15 minutes to commemorate victims of a railway station roof collapse for which they blame Serbian authorities.
The protest was organised and led by students of the Belgrade state university who are demanding that those responsible for the roof collapse that killed more than a dozen people are brought to justice.
Twin brothers, Lazar and Luka Stojakovic, activists at the Faculty of Organisational Science at the Belgrade University, had been identified by a pro-government daily Vecernje Novosti as protest leaders paid by Croatia's secret service.
Their passports, pictures and personal details had been published in the daily. But Lazar and Luka did not get scared and continued with protests. They were among protesters in front of the RTS on Friday.
"Corruption entered every single layer of our society and it is the main cause of roof collapse and killing of 15 people," Luka Stojakovic said, explaining why they protest.
"The main problem is there is no system here, one man makes all decisions," Lazar Stojakovic said.
The students blame the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of President Aleksandar Vucic for corruption and nepotism, which he and the party deny.
Students at state universities in Belgrade, Kragujevac and Nis have been blockading classes for weeks to demand the release of all documents relevant to the renovation of the station, as well as criminal prosecution of officials responsible for the disaster.
Every day they block traffic in front of their faculties for 15 minutes to commemorate the 15 victims.
The concrete awning of the recently renovated roof of Novi Sad station caved in on November 1, killing 14 and injuring three. One of the injured died later.
Read next
21:12
Tens of thousands of students and supporters marched in Kragujevac, Serbia, protesting the government's alleged corruption following a deadly railway accident in Novi Sad. The demonstrations have become the largest in years, challenging President Aleksandar Vucic's rule.
12:33
Historic Disconnection
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have successfully disconnected from Russia's power grid and joined the EU network, marking a historic shift in energy independence and security.
12:31
Incident Details
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić narrowly escaped a potentially dangerous situation when his vehicle lost a wheel while traveling to Mokrin. Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
08:11
Serbia
The wave of anti-corruption protests in Serbia continues to grow. On February 4, teachers and farmers joined students in an anti-government demonstration in the central city of Kragujevac. Thousands of people marched through the streets, holding banners and blowing whistles in protest.
10:03
Serbia
Serbian PM resigns amid protests; Vucic considers April snap election but rules out interim government.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment