Protests over the train station collapse in Novi Sad have gripped Serbia, with tens of thousands of students demanding government action against corruption and nepotism. The deadly accident on November 1 last year killed 15 people, fueling longstanding anger towards the government.
Students from across the country have gathered in the town of Kragujevac, planning to block a major boulevard for 15 hours and 15 minutes as a tribute to the victims. They also held a 15-minute silence and beat drums with whistles in freezing temperatures.
The protesters, many of whom blame corruption and nepotism within President Aleksandar Vucic’s government, have broad support from Serbia’s public. The university student-led movement has already led to the resignation of several high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Milos Vucevic at the end of January.
The students are demanding justice for those responsible, the dismissal of charges against protesting students, and a greater budget for higher education. Despite 13 people being charged over the train station disaster, the protests continue. The students plan to stay in Kragujevac until their demands are met, showing unity and solidarity with people living across Serbia.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/15/thousands-protest-in-serbia-as-anger-over-corruption-swells