Thousands of students gathered in Kragujevac, central Serbia, to demand justice after a deadly railway disaster. Tens of thousands marched into the city, demanding accountability for corruption within the government. The protesters, including teachers and farmers, were met with cheers from locals as they blocked streets and held a 15-minute silence to honor the 15 victims.
The students’ anger over corruption has grown since 15 people died in November when a roof collapsed at a newly-renovated train station in Novi Sad. The government has denied allegations of corruption, but protesters are demanding transparency and justice.
Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and two other ministers have resigned over the protests, while prosecutors have charged 13 people in connection with the collapse. Despite this, daily protests continue, with students taking over university buildings and blocking highways.
The students’ demands include publishing documents related to the station roof collapse, justice for those responsible, dismissal of charges against protesting students, and increased funding for higher education. The protesters plan to blockade a main boulevard in Kragujevac for 15 hours and 15 minutes, a symbolic tribute to the victims.
President Aleksandar Vucic has accused the protesters of trying to destroy Serbia, but many Serbians see them as fighting for justice and accountability.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/thousands-rally-serbia-over-deadly-railway-disaster-2025-02-15