Scuffles continued to erupt for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, between police and protesters in Novi Sad, Serbia, as the public demands justice following the tragic roof collapse at the city’s railway station. This incident, which occurred on November 1, resulted tragically in the deaths of 15 individuals, with several more injured. It has sparked intense protests against the government, highlighting the citizens’ outrage over issues they claim stem from government negligence and corruption.
The protests intensified as demonstrators aimed to block entry to a courthouse, pushing back against what they perceive as inadequate governmental accountability. Riot police responded by forcibly dispersing the crowd, leading to confrontations reminiscent of previous protest events. Just the day before, opposition protests had already resulted in hours-long standoffs, showcasing the mounting tensions surrounding the collapse. Many organizers and protesters are linking the tragedy to broader societal issues, pointing to sloppy renovation work and corrupt practices alleged within the ruling coalition, which they believe directly contributed to the structural failure.
After the tragic collapse, Serbia's Interior Minister Ivica Dacic issued warnings against protest disruptions, asserting the government's stance on maintaining public order. He stated, "We will not tolerate disruption of public law and order, threats to the security of the country and state institutions, as well as attacks on police." This hardline approach has not deterred protesters, who continue to call for accountability for the disaster.
The collapse occurred when the heavy concrete roof of Novi Sad’s railway station unexpectedly fell. Initially, 14 individuals were confirmed dead, but following the death of another person due to severe injuries sustained during the incident, the toll rose to 15 fatalities. Eyewitness reports describe horrifying scenes of chaos and panic, with people caught underneath the debris during the midday rush. Rescue efforts were immediate but limited by the extent of the destruction.
Opposition activists have voiced their frustration over the lack of immediate arrests and charges connected to the disaster. Protesters are not just demanding justice for the victims but are also calling for the resignation of significant political figures, including Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and the Mayor of Novi Sad. Following the incident, some officials have stepped down, including Construction Minister Goran Vesic and Trade Minister Tomislav Momirovic, who had previously held the infrastructure portfolio. Their resignations came amid widespread calls for accountability, but many activists and citizens feel these actions are merely superficial and do not address the core issues of systemic corruption.
The railway station itself has been the subject of several renovations, the most recent of which was part of agreements involving Chinese state construction companies. Critics argue these renovations were rushed and poorly managed, leading to the tragic outcomes we see today. The station, built in 1964, had undergone multiple refurbishments, yet these have been called out as insufficiently transparent and based on questionable practices.
Add to this the police actions against another set of activists protesting the proposed demolition of the Old Sava Bridge, which connects the two sections of Belgrade and has significant historical value. Protesters argue against the lack of transparency and adequate planning for this new construction project, which is set to take three years, raising wider concerns about urban governance and community representation.
Many citizens feel trapped between the demands of their government and their community's needs, calling for drastic measures to fight against what they label as systemic injustices. The fear of more unrest looms as these protests continue, symbolizing not only grief for lost lives but also deep-rooted frustrations with their government.
The current protests reflect wider discontent with the ruling powers, and many political analysts warn of possible escalations if the government fails to respond adequately to the demands for accountability and proper investigations. The focus shifts to how the government will react not just to these protests but to the growing unrest among its citizens. The stakes, as they stand, are incredibly high, with not only public safety but the integrity of governance hanging in the balance.
There will be closely monitored developments as this situation progresses, with international observers keeping an eye on the increasingly tense atmosphere. For now, it seems, the people of Novi Sad will not back down without demanding the answers and actions they believe are deserved following this catastrophic event.
