Serbia’s education minister, Slavica Đukić Dejanović, announced that primary and secondary schools across the country will close from Tuesday instead of Monday 30 December. The move aims to curb anti-corruption protests at universities that have spread to concerns over children’s safety and quality of education.
The “stop, Serbia” protests began after a deadly canopy collapse in northern Serbia’s main railway station on November 1, killing 14 people and a 15th victim later died in hospital. The government has been accused of ignoring structural engineers involved in the renovation project, which raised questions over safety.
Students have organized daily 15-minute faculty blockades since November, with the red handprint symbol becoming a protest emblem. Heavy-handed policing at roadblockades has also led to verbal and physical assaults on protesters, including a 74-year-old man who required surgery after being beaten up by angry drivers.
The government claims foreign powers are funding the protests but has announced documents related to the Novi Sad renovation and affordable housing loans for young people. However, student protest leaders believe the move to close schools early will only push protesters further into the streets, as the education minister’s dismissal is also on their agenda.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/22/serbia-schools-closure-winter-holidays-protests-novi-sad