Serbian university students rallied outside the chief prosecutor's office on Wednesday, demanding justice for the 15 victims of the concrete canopy collapse at the Novi Sad railway station last month. Over 1,000 protestors symbolically left letters on the doorstep of the Public Prosecution facility, appealing to chief prosecutor Zagorka Dolovac to prioritize law and justice, free from political interference and corruption.
This demonstration is a significant development within Serbia's higher education sector, where students have blocked universities for weeks as part of a larger movement seeking accountability following the November 1 tragedy. The collapse of the concrete structure has been attributed to perceived corruption and subpar work during the building's renovation, part of broader infrastructure projects involving Chinese state-owned companies.
During the protest, students showcased their frustration with the government, particularly criticizing Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. One participant, Aleksandar Novović, lamented, "We have seen the president and the prime minister say our demands have been met. Competent to meet our demands is only the Prosecutor's Office, and we will stay here until our demands are met." This statement reflects the sense of urgency and determination among the student body to press for organizational accountability.
Support for the student-led protests has flowed from different quarters of society, with professors, farmers, and actors joining their efforts. There was even massive participation during previous demonstrations, where tens of thousands took to the streets, voicing their discontent not just over the collapse but also against populist governance led by President Vučić.
Serbians have expressed concerns over the integrity of the investigation following the disaster, which led to the arrests of 13 individuals, including government officials. The swift release of these officials after their arrest only heightened public skepticism about the investigation’s honesty. The environment of distrust is compounded by widespread accusations of corrupt practices and negligence during the renovation process of the railway station.
Carrying banners with red handprints symbolizing their demand for accountability, students conveyed the message to authorities: they have “blood on their hands.” This imagery serves as both a call for action and critique of the government's indifference toward safety standards and public welfare.
Efforts to quell these protests have included government offers for favorable loans aimed at young people wishing to purchase apartments, but students dismiss such measures as inadequate. President Vučić’s handling of the situation has drawn criticism of the authoritarian nature of his regime, which some argue has continually undermined democratic freedoms, even as Serbia formally seeks European Union membership.
Despite the government's attempts to placate the protests, the students remain undeterred. Their sustained activism is influencing public discourse and prompting widespread recognition of systemic issues within Serbia's political and infrastructural landscapes.
Conclusively, the protests over the Novi Sad tragedy not only spotlight the pressing need for thorough investigations but also embody the broader discontent with the current political system. Serbian students, empowered by collective solidarity and the support of their communities, are at the forefront of this call for accountability, raising awareness of the importance of integrity and reform across the nation.
