Protests in Serbia Gain Momentum Following Train Station Tragedy

A student-led protest movement in Serbia is escalating following a tragic incident in November, when a roof collapse at a newly renovated train station in Novi Sad resulted in the deaths of 15 people, Al Jazeera reports.

On Saturday, thousands of protesters in the city of Niš observed a 15-minute silence to honor the victims of the disaster. The silent commemoration took place at 11:52 local time (10:52 GMT), the moment of the tragedy, in the city’s central square. Hundreds of students marched, cycled and traveled to Niš from across Serbia, gathering support from residents in both urban and rural areas. Locals set up stalls providing food and refreshments to the large crowds, as protesters waved flags, carried anti-corruption banners, and used whistles.

Many Serbians attribute the train station collapse to corruption allegedly linked to President Vučić’s decade in power. The protests, which initially began with student blockades at state universities in December, have since drawn participation from teachers, farmers, and other workers.

Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and two other ministers have resigned as a result of the protests, which have spread to the capital Belgrade and other cities and towns. To date, 13 individuals have been charged in connection with the roof collapse.

President Vučić and other government officials have alternated between calling for dialogue and accusing the protesters of being supported by foreign entities.

“A lot of money has been invested in the color revolution,” Vučić stated during a recent address to supporters.

In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, the government has taken steps to address some of the student organizers’ demands. These measures include releasing documents related to the train station renovations, pardoning arrested protesters, increasing funding for higher education, and initiating criminal proceedings against individuals accused of attacking demonstrators.