BELGRADE – On March 15, 2025, Belgrade witnessed what many are calling the largest protest in its history, with between 107,000 and possibly as many as 325,000 Serbians gathering to demand accountability for the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy last November, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people.
Citizens from various regions converged on the capital, showing solidarity with students leading the protests. Participants included farmers, bikers, military veterans, and numerous other groups, highlighting the widespread discontent with the current government. Major routes around key sites were congested as throngs of protesters filled the streets. Reports indicated massive crowds chanting for justice, with many expressing frustration over perceived government negligence and corruption.
“Everything indicates this is the biggest rally in Belgrade's history,” asserted the NGO Archiving Public Gatherings, which specializes in estimating protest sizes. The protest carried the poignant slogan “15 for 15,” symbolizing both the date and the number of victims. The protests began peacefully, but as the evening wore on, tensions escalated with the presence of police and reports of minor incidents.
At around 19:00, during a solemn 15 minutes of silence held to honor the victims, protesters were startled by unexplained loud noises, described by military analyst Aleksandar Radic as potentially emanated from a “sonic cannon.” Video footage from the event circulated on social media, depicting the moment the crowd dispersed under what students and some eyewitnesses claimed was caused by the sonic weapon, which is banned in many countries. The students stated, “Just to be clear, the regime turned on a sonic cannon (a weapon banned in huge number of countries) during 15 minutes of silence for the 15 dead. There you go.”
The Serbian Ministry of Interior denied the allegations of deploying such devices, asserting they would not engage in actions against the law. The protests stemmed from long-standing grievances against President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration, centered around the failure to release documentation related to the rebuilding efforts of the railway station, which collapsed under controversial circumstances involving potential government corruption.
Throughout the day, protesters expressed their determination for accountability, with students leading chants and speeches calling for reform. There were also isolated clashes reported between protesters and groups they believed to be provocateurs sent to incite chaos, particularly around the Pioneer Park area where some scuffles occurred, including rocks and bottles being thrown.
“Today’s protest was completely peaceful until Mr. President and his obedient supporters sent their provocateurs to cause incidents and possible bloodshed,” commented Svetlana Muro, a Belgrade resident participating in the protest. The clocks were turned back as many supporters recounted their disillusionment with how such tragic incidents were handled by the authorities, culminating their unrest over months of protests against Vucic's government.
Following the protest, Vucic acknowledged the “enormous negative energy and anger” directed at the government, stating, “We understood the message well and all the officials ... will have to change ourselves.” He reported 56 injuries and 22 arrests during the protests, clarifying his administration’s position on maintaining law and order moving forward.
The protests marked not just calls for accountability over regulatory neglections leading to the Novi Sad tragedy but also broader frustrations against Vucic’s government and allegations of systemic corruption. Over the preceding weeks, public outrage had been migrating from university campuses to involve various sectors of society, unifying dissent against the ruling authority.
The protests originated from academic centers earlier this year, with demonstrations beginning on February 1, 2025, and continuing through Kragujevac and Niš before culminating magnificently on Belgrade’s streets. Amid adverse weather conditions, diverse groups arrived, including students who organized long marches to join family and friends for this historic event.
“Look how many of us there are. Let your voice wake up Serbia,” proclaimed one student leader as the crowd erupted with cheers of agreement, signaling their resolve and strength united against perceived injustices.
The police maintained visible but largely restrained presence around the protests, reflecting the government’s intent to avoid violent confrontation, which has plagued previous demonstrations. Nonetheless, there were reports detailing injuries caused by aggression during the day, with accounts of individuals physically attacked without clear motives made public. Following earlier protests, Vucic had responded with increased security measures, claiming to balance both public safety and allowing the expression of civil dissent.
The culmination of frustrations from the past months reflects the urgency among citizens for government accountability, especially considering the high stakes involved with public safety regulations and ethical governance. March 15's demonstrations propelled this movement forward with newfound momentum and have ignited calls for investigation and change.
Underneath the charged atmosphere, the palpable sense of determination was apparent as protesters reiterated their demand for justice. The atmosphere was tense, though no significant violence clouded the resolve of those present. Despite vowing to remain peaceful, the tension lingered, evoking memories of past government crackdowns on dissent.
The events of March 15 serve as not just reminders of the tragic loss experienced by families affected by the canopy collapse but also as clarion calls for accountability and reform. The demand for governmental transparency and adherence to safety regulations will continue to gain traction as citizens remain vigilant, united, and determined to hold their leaders accountable. Together, they assert, they will not accept silence nor peace without justice.