Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in the Serbian capital Belgrade on Saturday, calling for change amid allegations of widespread corruption and negligence. The demonstration, which included students, veterans, bikers, and farmers, was one of the largest in decades.
The protests, sparked by a deadly railway station roof collapse that killed 15 people last year, have swelled to include demands for accountability and transparency. Students are particularly vocal about their desire for freedom from corruption, citing the need for “a normal state, a state of law, without corruption, lying, media pressures, persecutions.”
Police arrested 13 people during sporadic violence, including three men who attacked a student and university lecturer in the center of Belgrade. The government denies accusations of graft and incompetence, claiming that Western intelligence agencies are backing a push to destabilize Serbia.
The rally was marked by a festive atmosphere, with protesters lighting flares and chanting slogans like “Pump it up.” Despite concerns about security, many residents, including grandmothers, offered hot food and warmth to the demonstrators.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/huge-crowds-join-anti-government-rally-belgrade-after-sporadic-violence-2025-03-15