Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters gathered in Belgrade to commemorate the victims of a railway station roof collapse. They blame authorities, including President Aleksandar Vucic’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), for corruption and nepotism. The protesters, mostly students from the state university, have been blockading classes for weeks to demand justice.
The concrete awning of the recently renovated Novi Sad station caved in on November 1, killing 14 people and injuring three. One of the injured later died. Opposition leaders accuse shoddy construction resulting from government corruption and nepotism. The ruling coalition denies these charges and says those responsible must be held accountable.
Protesters hold daily blockades in front of their faculties for 15 minutes to honor the victims. They say they came out to express their revolt against authorities and support students demanding justice. President Vucic’s party denies any wrongdoing, but acknowledges that those responsible must face consequences.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/tens-thousands-protest-belgrade-2025-01-12