BELGRADE, Serbia — On Friday, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets, obstructing traffic at a crucial motorway intersection in Serbia’s capital as part of ongoing protests led by students. These protests were sparked by the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy last November that resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals. The crowd began their gathering outside the central courthouse in Belgrade, chanting “we want justice” and demanding accountability for those they accuse of being pro-government assailants responsible for previous attacks on protesters.
For nearly two months, demonstrators have held nearly daily demonstrations calling for justice related to the catastrophic incident that transpired at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1. The sudden collapse of tons of concrete resulted in the unfortunate deaths of 14 people, with three others severely injured. Tragically, one additional individual succumbed to their injuries later while receiving medical care.
Many citizens in Serbia attribute the canopy’s failure to negligent reconstruction efforts, linking it to widespread corruption. The Novi Sad railway station underwent renovation twice in recent years, contracted out to Chinese state enterprises. These protests have increasingly challenged the authority of President Aleksandar Vucic, who leads a populist government. As a result, university classes across Serbia have been canceled for several weeks, with students choosing to hold sit-ins within their faculties.
The blockade on Friday lasted for one hour and extended to halt traffic across a vital bridge over the Sava River. Serbian prosecutors have leveled charges against 13 individuals connected to the canopy’s collapse, which includes a government minister and several high-ranking officials. However, there are lingering concerns regarding the impartiality of the investigation given the populist administration’s influence.
As a form of remembrance, protesters have held silent traffic blockades daily at 11:52 a.m., marking the moment of the canopy’s collapse. The escalation of protests was, in part, incited by an attack on a group of drama students during these gatherings. Numerous silent demonstrations were reported across various locations in Serbia on Friday, highlighting the movement’s broad support.
Initially, President Vucic accused the students of receiving foreign funding. Pro-government media have suggested that the protesters are linked to foreign intelligence agencies, even going so far as to publish personal details of some student demonstrators. In an attempt to quell the growing anti-corruption sentiment, Vucic has countered with offers of low-interest loans to students and asserts that their demands have largely been met.
Despite his formal endorsement of Serbia’s European Union membership aspirations, Vucic has faced criticism for undermining democratic principles in the Balkan country over his ten-year tenure, rather than advancing them.
