BELGRADE, Serbia — On Monday, Serbia’s public prosecutor announced the indictment of 13 individuals, including a former government minister, in connection with the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy that resulted in the deaths of 15 people last month. This incident incited a wave of significant anti-government protests across the country.
The indictments were issued in Novi Sad, the location of the November 1 incident, with the accused facing charges related to severe criminal acts against public safety and improper execution of construction work. If found guilty, the accused may be sentenced to as much as 12 years in prison.
The collapsed canopy was integral to a railway station that had been remodeled twice in recent years as part of an extensive infrastructure agreement with Chinese firms. A major concern among the Serbian populace is that the renovations were poorly conducted due to pervasive corruption, which they believe led directly to the canopy’s failure.
Prime Minister Milos Vucevic remarked that the indictment represents transparency, asserting that there is no intention to conceal or obstruct any aspects of the investigation.
Conversely, critics claim the indictment lacks depth, particularly criticizing the omission of a financial investigation into supposed corruption. Opposition leader Borislav Novakovic expressed skepticism, stating, “This indictment seems like a legal maneuver, an effort to distract us. There’s no mention of the corruption that ultimately affected so many lives that day.”
The widespread resentment against the government has fueled almost daily protests against President Aleksandar Vucic and his administration. Demonstrations were evident on Monday in Novi Sad, where student protestors faced off against police. In Belgrade, hundreds of individuals blocked traffic and observed a moment of silence for 15 minutes, honoring the time of the canopy’s collapse.
Students who are striking are also planning similar protests on New Year’s Eve in both cities to continue their demands for justice. Initially, the death toll was reported at 14, with several others injured; one additional victim succumbed to injuries at a hospital later.
This indictment still requires judicial approval to take effect, and the prosecutor in Novi Sad has recommended that the accused be detained while the legal proceedings unfold. Among those indicted is Goran Vesic, the former Minister of Construction, who, along with other officials linked to the renovation project, is facing potential charges.
Though Vesic had been taken into custody briefly before being released, this has raised questions regarding the integrity of the investigation and the autonomy of the Serbian judicial system, especially under a government widely perceived to exert considerable influence over state institutions. The start date for a trial remains uncertain.
Recent, ongoing protests and student strikes in Serbia challenge Vucic’s grip on power. Despite his intentions to pursue European Union membership for the country, he has been accused of restricting democratic freedoms rather than promoting them.
