Serbian Student Protests Erupt Following Train Station Tragedy
Protests demanding accountability and transparency spread across Serbia after the tragic collapse at Novi Sad station claimed 15 lives.
On November 1, 2024, the Serbian railway system was rocked by tragedy when the concrete canopy at the Novi Sad railway station collapsed, claiming the lives of 15 individuals. The incident sparked outrage, leading to student-led protests demanding government accountability and safety reforms across the country.
Thousands took to the streets on various dates following the collapse, conducting demonstrations throughout major cities such as Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Nis. These protests bear the slogan “Stop Serbia” and include symbolic moments of silence lasting 15 minutes to honor the victims. The students believe the government’s negligence contributed to the tragedy and are now holding officials accountable.
According to reports, the students argue they are being proactive, addressing safety concerns and pushing for inquiries related to the station’s renovation. Demonstrators have criticized the current administration for what they see as insufficient responses to their demands for transparency surrounding the construction and renovation processes at the railway station. They contend released documentations surrounding the incident are incomplete, necessitating thorough investigations.
Student protests are not just confined to large metropolitan areas; numerous protests have also emerged at high schools and universities, demonstrating the sense of unity driving students across Serbia. The students are boycotting classes and calling for thorough accountability for those responsible, pushing their message forward even as some government ministers have stepped down amid mounting pressure.
The protests gained momentum with the resignation of two key government ministers, Construction Minister Goran Vesic and Serbian Foreign Trade Minister Tomislav Momirovic. Their departures signal possible governmental acknowledgment of the calls for accountability, with 11 individuals reportedly detained as part of the investigations stemming from the railway incident.
Maja Sever, president of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), lent her support to the students during one of their demonstrations. At the protest held outside the Radio-television Vojvodina building, Sever highlighted the importance of student activism, stating, "The one who advises you... didn’t learn how it was precisely such brave people like you who didn’t think solely of their personal interest but of the community and justice, and changed the world.” She emphasized the strength and future of Serbia lies with its youth, echoing sentiments of courage and unity among the protesters.
Protesters have expressed frustration over calls from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who urged students to end the demonstrations and return to classes, claiming their demands were adequately addressed. Yet, students stand resolute, maintaining: "Those who tell you to step back... did not understand the strength of unity and justice you are now showing.”
The protests include not only students but also support from academics, opposition lawmakers, and various artists who criticize the government's past responses to similar tragedies. Many supporters see the students as the torchbearers for justice and accountability, which they feel has been absent. Their collective experiences and courage have inspired widespread admiration both within Serbia and beyond.
On December 27, protests continued, illustrating the public outcry for transparency surrounding the tragic event. People across various cities displayed solidarity, holding banners and flags, demanding clear answers about the safety protocols and governmental actions leading up to the train station’s tragic event.
The heartbreak of November 1 left many questions unanswered and has turned the students’ collective grief and anger toward action. Their determination serves as both remembrance for the victims and as proactive advocacy for systematic change within Serbia’s infrastructure policies.
The fallout from the protests suggests they have tapped deeply on social consciousness among younger generations who are concerned about their safety and the accountability of leaders. A symbolic movement dealing with something as severe as the collapse of the canopy at the railway station stems from issues felt strongly by students—trust, care, and commitment to collective well-being.
For now, the protests continue alongside calls for justice, reform, and accountability to prevent future tragedies, establishing the students not just as voices of dissent but also as agents of change within their society.
