Anti-government protests erupt in Serbia over train station collapse

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.

Tens of thousands of students gathered in Kragujevac, central Serbia, on Saturday in the largest protest yet against the government following a fatal railway accident in November.

The protests erupted three months after a roof collapsed at a newly-renovated train station in Novi Sad, killing 15 people. Since then, public anger has intensified, leading to Serbia's biggest protest movement in years.

Despite near-freezing temperatures, students traveled from across the country, some walking 140 km from Belgrade. They marched through Kragujevac, beating drums, blowing whistles, and waving the national flag.

In tribute to the victims, the protesters blocked a major boulevard for 15 hours and 15 minutes and held 15 minutes of silence.

The movement has gained widespread support, with teachers, farmers, and other workers joining the protests. Many Serbians blame corruption and nepotism within government for the Novi Sad tragedy, accusations that the government denies.

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