Belgrade students continue protest demanding justice for Novi Sad tragedy

Protests continue in Belgrade as thousands demand justice for the deadly Novi Sad train station collapse last November, accusing the government of failing to take responsibility.

Protests continued in Belgrade as thousands of students and citizens blocked a major road overnight, demanding accountability for the deadly collapse at the Novi Sad train station last November, which killed 15 people.

The students accuse the Serbian authorities of failing to take responsibility for the tragedy, which they believe was caused by corruption, mismanagement, and poor construction. The station’s renovation, overseen by state authorities and funded through deals with Chinese companies, has come under intense scrutiny following the incident.

One protester, Dobrivoje Matic, compared the ongoing struggle to a messy process of cleaning a house: "We have to move in a certain direction, and some change has to happen. Of course, we are prepared and sure that more challenging times lie ahead.

This process is like cleaning a house; when you start cleaning, you have to create a total mess before you can tidy everything up. It's the same with our country. We hope for that, and we are ready for anything," Matic said.

The students’ demands for justice come amid growing skepticism over the government’s response. On the same day as the protest, President Aleksandar Vučić and other government officials held a press conference where they assured that the investigation into the collapse was ongoing and promised accountability.

Vučić stated that most of the protesters' demands had been met, including the release of crucial documents, criminal charges against those involved, and the promise of a pardon for arrested students. However, many students are unconvinced.

Protester Elena Voak expressed doubt over the government’s sincerity: "Initially, it was asserted that the demands had been met, followed by claims that they had not. We learned that he (Vučić) stated he was unaware of the undisclosed documentation, a claim we find not entirely true, because that man knows everything. We will need to examine the specifics of what was said at the press conference a bit later, but we remain skeptical that the demands will be fulfilled. I mean, what are we all doing here, if all of that had already been fulfilled in the first place?"

The students are adamant that the government's response is insufficient. They are demanding that those responsible for the tragedy face severe consequences, insisting that the investigation be independent and thorough. Despite the government’s promises, the protests show no sign of easing.

The collapse at the Novi Sad train station occurred on November 1st, 2024, when a large concrete canopy at the station fell, killing 15 people and injuring others. The incident has raised questions about the safety and oversight of major infrastructure projects in the country, and protesters are calling for full transparency in the ongoing investigation.

As the protests continue, the students remain firm in their resolve, demanding justice and accountability for the victims of the disaster.

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