BELGRADE, Serbia — On Friday, residents across Serbia paused for 15 minutes in a moment of silence as part of ongoing anti-government protests. This action was sparked by a tragic incident last month involving the collapse of a concrete canopy in northern Serbia that resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals.
Since November 1, citizens have been participating in traffic blockades every Friday at precisely 11:52 a.m., marking the time the canopy at the Novi Sad railway station fell. At that time, many people were on or near the site enjoying a sunny day, leading to initial reports of 14 fatalities and three injuries, with one additional person later succumbing to their injuries in the hospital. The two injured individuals remain hospitalized weeks after the incident.
The railway station has undergone renovations on two occasions in recent years, and a significant portion of the public believes that widespread corruption played a role in the shoddy construction practices linked to the renovation. This was part of a larger railway project involving Chinese state companies. The collapse has ignited public outcry regarding the increasing autocracy of President Aleksandar Vu?i?’s government, stirring demands among the populace for democratic reforms.
This past Wednesday, thousands of demonstrators, including university students, gathered outside the state RTS television building to protest its pro-government reporting. RTS has been airing claims made by Vu?i? that students are being funded by foreign entities to incite unrest and attempts to topple his administration.
The traffic blockades on Friday occurred at numerous sites across the nation, with some participants donning red-painted rubber gloves, symbolizing that the authorities “have blood on their hands.” Reports from Serbian media indicated that a vehicle crashed into protesters during one blockade in Novi Sad. A similar incident was noted a week earlier when four musicians were injured at a silent protest in central Belgrade.
In recent weeks, there have been instances of violence at protests when pro-government individuals attempted to disrupt gatherings organized by the opposition and student activists. Furthermore, classes were suspended at over 50 university faculties and several high schools throughout the country due to the unrest.
In a show of solidarity, farmers in central Serbia blocked roads with their tractors, brandishing a banner that depicted a bloodied hand. Meanwhile, an actors’ guild declared plans for daily demonstrations outside theaters.
To address growing public frustration, Vu?i?’s administration has released approximately 130 documents related to the renovations of the railway station, which is among the list of demands from the protesters. Prosecutors have detained 13 individuals concerning the incident; however, skepticism surrounds the legal actions as a government minister was subsequently released, raising concerns about the integrity of the legal system where populists maintain control over law enforcement and the judiciary.
Since taking office more than ten years ago, Vu?i? has tightened his grip on state institutions and mainstream media, despite his declarations of intending to guide Serbia into the European Union.
