BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — An intense scene unfolded outside a courthouse as Serbian opposition protesters blocked access on Tuesday, quietly demanding justice following the tragic roof collapse at the railway station in Novi Sad earlier this month, which resulted in 15 fatalities and left several others injured. The protesters, fueled by anger and grief, confronted riot police, setting the stage for hours of tension between citizens seeking accountability and authorities reluctant to address the deeply rooted issues surrounding the disaster.
The incident on November 1 at the railway station was catastrophic, with the outer roof crashing down unexpectedly on unsuspecting individuals seated on benches, leading to chaos and despair. Initially, 14 lives were lost, but the toll increased to 15 when another victim succumbed to injuries later. Those who survived carry not only physical scars but emotional wounds as the community grapples with the shock and aftermath.
At the heart of the protests, opposition lawmakers orchestrated the blockade with stark demands. They called for thorough investigations, immediate arrests of those responsible for the alleged negligence leading to the collapse, and the release of activists detained during previous demonstrations. These activists had been protesting against the government’s apparent failure to maintain safety standards.
Riot police were deployed to disperse the protest, forcing demonstrators away from courthouse entrances and igniting minor skirmishes. The government’s response came swiftly, denouncing the blockade as “the most brutal form of pressure on the work of prosecutors and judges” and labeling it as “unprecedented obstruction of justice.”
Opposition politician Borislav Novakovic voiced the sentiments of the demonstrators, stating, “Those who are guilty must go to prison and those who were jailed for seeking justice must be released.” His words echoed the frustrations of many who believe the system prioritizes covering up failures rather than pursuing accountability.
The collapse has sparked widespread outcry against the ruling populist government, with many citizens convinced rampant corruption and shady dealings led to substandard renovation work on the station. Critics of the government reflect on the station's renovations, which took place under contracts with Chinese state construction companies, and wonder if corners were cut for profit.
Serbia's Construction Minister, Goran Vesic, faced immense pressure as public ire mounted, leading to his resignation amid growing discontent with the management of public safety regulations. Although the government promised thorough investigations, no arrests have been made to date, creating skepticism among the populace about the follow-through on their promises.
Originally built back in 1964, the Novi Sad station has undergone renovations twice—once just last year. These renovations were part of broader infrastructure improvements, heavily financed by deals with foreign companies. The government insisted these projects would modernize the infrastructure, but at what cost?
On the day of the incident, eyewitness reports described terror as the roof unexpectedly fell, with some witnesses stating they narrowly escaped injury. The subsequent realization of the tragedy has galvanized the public, leading to more calls for accountability and reforms.
Days following the collapse, protests erupted across the nation, echoing the cries for justice. Protestors gathered not only to mourn those lost but to push for political change. Demonstrators have been spurred by what they perceive as the government’s negligence and subsequent attempts to suppress dissent. The unrest has unfolded as communities express growing disillusionment with systemic corruption, questioning the security of public spaces under current governance.
The clash at the courthouse on Tuesday marked only the latest stage of this turmoil, signaling larger tensions simmering within Serbia. If the government fails to address the calls for accountability, it risks facing increased resistance from those who are unwilling to remain silent any longer.
Serbia stands at a crossroads where the consequences of governance extend beyond politics and touch the lives of everyday citizens. The legacy of the roof collapse will not simply be remembered for the tragic loss but as a catalyst igniting demands for transparency, safety, and accountability against perceived failures of the ruling class.
