Serbia’s university students took to the streets this past Wednesday, demanding justice for the victims of the tragic train station roof collapse, which resulted in the death of 15 people last month. Over 1,000 students converged outside the chief prosecutor’s office, leaving symbolic letters for Chief Prosecutor Zagorka Dolovac, urging her to 'fight for law and justice, without political abuse or corruption.'
The protests were organized by students from Belgrade University who have been blocking their faculties for weeks. Their actions were part of broader demonstrations sparked by the fatalities from the Novi Sad train station incident on November 1, 2024, when the roof, which had undergone recent renovation, collapsed onto unsuspecting victims. This incident has ignited accusations of corruption and negligence concerning infrastructure projects linked to Chinese state firms.
During the protests, students blocked a major traffic intersection for 15 minutes, shouting and waving banners featuring red handprints—a potent symbol of their claims against authorities who they believe have 'blood on their hands.' Their chants of "Fulfill the demands" echoed as they culminated their demonstration outside the Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office, stressing the urgency of addressing the grievances stemming from the incident.
The collapse tragically claimed the lives of 14 individuals on the scene, aged between 6 and 74, with one more succumbing to injuries sustained during the disastrous event weeks later. The public response has been marked by outrage at alleged governmental corruption and inadequate oversight of construction projects, leading to weeks of protests across the country.
Protesters have accused President Aleksandar Vucic's administration of attempting to stifle unrest through economic incentives. The government had previously promised various subsidies aimed at young people, including announced favorable loans for housing. Still, students remain unconvinced, insisting their demands extend beyond financial aid to encompass accountability and systemic reform to prevent future tragedies.
Support for the protest movement has surged beyond student circles, garnering backing from professors, farmers, actors, and various civil society groups. Notably, last Sunday’s protest was estimated by police to have attracted around 29,000 participants, though some non-governmental organizations claim the turnout was significantly higher—possibly reaching over 100,000 people, signaling the widespread discontent against the government.
Dolovac's office did respond to the students’ grievances, inviting representatives for discussions. This, they hope, may lead to due investigation and accountability for the events surrounding the tragic collapse. Yet many remain skeptical, especially after the arrest of 13 individuals connected to the incident, including the release of a government minister, which fueled doubts about the integrity of the investigation.
Students leading these protests insist they are not solely focused on the individual tragedy, but rather on the broader issues plaguing Serbian society. "This isn’t just about Novi Sad. It’s about fighting corruption and building a safer Serbia," declared one protester, encapsulating the collective frustration and desire for change.
The strife within Serbia's educational institutions is emblematic of wider societal challenges. Students, once viewed as passive members of the political sphere, are now stepping up as active forces, demanding accountability and justice. They are leveraging their platform to not only seek justice for their peers but also to promote systemic changes across the nation's governance.
Despite the promises made by the government, the student body remains committed to their cause, and their actions will likely continue to influence the national discourse about corruption, accountability, and reform. The coming weeks will be pivotal as the country grapples with the fallout of the Novi Sad incident and the broader calls for justice being echoed throughout its universities.
