Residents in Serbia observed a 15-minute moment of silence on Friday in ongoing anti-government protests sparked by the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at a railway station in Novi Sad last month, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals. The protests, which have been occurring every Friday since November 1 at 11:52 a.m., aim to draw attention to the perceived corruption and negligence surrounding the station building's renovation.
Following the collapse, initial reports indicated 14 fatalities and three injuries, with one more individual succumbing to injuries later. Two individuals remain hospitalized from the incident. The reconstruction of the station building, part of a larger railway project involving Chinese state companies, has raised suspicions of corruption and substandard workmanship among many in Serbia.
The tragedy has also become a focal point for broader discontent with the authoritarian rule of President Aleksandar Vucic, with calls for democratic reforms gaining momentum. Recent protests, led by university students, have targeted pro-government media outlets, including the state RTS television building, where demonstrators voiced their grievances over biased editorial policies.
Friday's protests saw traffic blockades across the country, with participants symbolically wearing red-painted rubber gloves to signify the authorities' perceived culpability in the tragedy. Reports emerged of vehicles ramming through protesters at blockade sites, underscoring the tensions surrounding the demonstrations.
Instances of violence have marred the protests, with pro-government groups clashing with opposition supporters and students. The unrest has led to disruptions in academic institutions, with classes suspended at over 50 university faculties and several secondary schools.
In a bid to address public discontent, Vucic's government released approximately 130 documents related to the railway station renovation. However, skepticism remains high, as only 13 individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, raising concerns about the independence of the judiciary under the ruling regime.
Vucic, who has maintained a firm grip on state institutions and media since assuming power, faces mounting pressure to enact meaningful reforms and address the grievances of the Serbian populace, who are increasingly calling for greater transparency and accountability in governance.
