Belgrade, Serbia – The recent collapse of the awning at the train station in Novi Sad, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 15 people, has ignited widespread protests among Serbian university students demanding accountability and justice. Following the incident on November 1, 2024, students from across the country banded together outside the chief prosecutor’s office in Belgrade on December 25, to express their frustration with the slow pace of the investigation and the allegations of corruption surrounding the renovation work.
Mournfully commemorated during the protest, the collapse has been attributed to what many perceive as government negligence and corrupt practices linked to the infrastructure upgrade. During the protests, students symbolically delivered 1,000 identical letters to Chief Prosecutor Zagorka Dolovac, urging the prosecution to act without political interference. "Students expect you to fight for law and justice, without political abuse or corruption," read part of their plea.
The protests, which have gathered momentum since the tragic event, saw students carrying banners emblazoned with red handprints, signifying their claim against the government for the bloodshed. Onlookers cheered as demonstrators—estimations suggest more than 1,000—united to voice their outrage against what they labeled as systemic negligence and failed governance. The youthful protesters express their demands for transparency, showcasing the underlying tension between the youth and the government.
The awning collapse, which left 14 dead at the scene and critically injured three others (one of whom later died), raises radical questions about the quality and safety protocols involved in the station’s recent renovation. Government investigations have led to arrests of at least 13 individuals, including high-ranking officials, stirring public skepticism when one prominent figure was released shortly after detention.
Several opinions have emerged within the student protests, reflecting shared frustrations across social classes, alumni of the universities, teachers, and others clinical of President Aleksandar Vučić's regime. Despite the political discontent, Vučić’s government has maintained its stance, asserting the importance of accountability for the station collapse. Claims persist concerning the alleged involvement of the Chinese state companies which were reportedly involved in the renovation—and now attract scrutiny amid corruption allegations.
Students have become increasingly bold, asserting their positions not only against the prosecutors but against Vučić and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). The protest on December 25 was marked by silence as the young advocates paused for fifteen minutes to honor the lives lost during the accident, creating space for reflection amid their calls for justice.
One student, Zaklina, 22, passionately voices her commitments to their cause, stating, "These (protests) are the way (to win), the one and only way." And as many others share the sentiment, it is evident the student protests have begun to echo sentiments spanning beyond the walls of universities, reflecting widespread discontent with the administration.
The pressure has largely focused on Zagorka Dolovac and her office, as voices across Serbia criticize the sluggish investigation purportedly stalled by political maneuvering. Even as they gathered to present their letters directly, students declared their demand for crooks to be held responsible, regardless of their political affiliations. The protest encapsulated growing resentment against perceived negligence and political complacency.
While Vučić attempts to quell the protests by advertising favorable loans to encourage young people to buy apartments, many see this as little more than surface-level solutions to deep-rooted issues, reflecting the government’s desire to maintain control amid increasing dissatisfaction across diverse segments of the populace. Interested observers remain skeptical of potential reforms as numerous citizens assert anxieties about the erosion of democratic freedoms under Vučić's regime.
The sentiment articulated by strikers finds common ground with the general populace, as community support for the movement has surged. The students' resolve has resulted not only from their immediate grievances following the collapse but also signs of mounting resistance to broader authoritarian trends across the nation. Will these protests resonate long enough to impact political accountability? Time may only tell, but as of now, Serbia's younger generation is mobilizing to claim their future.
These protests symbolize more than just demands for justice over the Novi Sad tragedy; they are emblematic of Serbia’s fight for transparency, responsibility, and the restoration of democratic principles as civic groups and opposition parties stand united with the university students at the forefront of the movement.
