BELGRADE, Serbia — A large crowd gathered in Serbia’s capital on Thursday to show their support for university students, who have been protesting for months against corruption and seeking reforms in the country.

Residents of Belgrade organized into five separate groups, marching from various locations in the city to a central intersection where the striking students have been holding daily protests for over two months.

These students have faced hostility during their protests, as well as pressure from the government led by President Aleksandar Vucic, who has accused them of being manipulated by foreign interests and acting against Serbian sovereignty.

The students’ demands include accountability for the tragedy resulting from the collapse of a concrete canopy that claimed 15 lives in November. In their fight for justice, they have garnered considerable public support from citizens frustrated with corrupt politicians and skeptical of governmental institutions.

The student protests have successfully attracted tens of thousands of participants from diverse backgrounds, posing a significant challenge to Vucic’s strong hold on political power in Serbia. The next major demonstration is scheduled for March 1 in the southern city of Nis.

On Thursday evening, the sound of whistles and chants of “Pump it up!” filled the air in central Belgrade, words that have come to symbolize the student movement.

Despite the chill in the air, many protesters brought their pets and children along with them. Once they reached the designated gathering area, the crowd paused for 15 minutes in silence to pay tribute to the 15 victims of the canopy disaster that occurred on November 1 in Novi Sad.

The concrete structure, which was part of the outer wall of a train station in Novi Sad, collapsed unexpectedly, having undergone renovations twice in recent years.

A significant number of Serbian citizens believe that government corruption played a role in the shoddy workmanship and negligence of construction and safety standards. The renovations were part of a larger infrastructure initiative involving Chinese state companies.