Today, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Serbia to protest the tragic deaths of 25 individuals in a railway station collapse. This demonstration marks the largest and most significant protest in the country’s history, as citizens demand accountability and justice for the victims.
The railway disaster, known as the Novi Sad Collapse, which occurred last November, has ignited widespread outrage and anger toward the government of President Aleksandar Vucic. Protesters accuse Vucic's Progressive Party of being responsible for the tragedy, blaming its decade-long policies of corruption, negligence, and cost-cutting measures for the catastrophic incident.
According to the BBC, the protests are expected to intensify in the coming days, with increasing numbers of demonstrators taking to the streets. Many students who spoke to the news outlet expressed their deep frustration and anger toward the government's policies
"We want institutions that do their jobs properly. We don't care what party is in power. But we need a country that works, not one where you don't get justice for more than four months." law student Jana Vasic told the BBC in the growing crowd in Belgrade.
Jana Vasic
Additionally, the protests have not been solely confined to students. A diverse range of groups from civil society, including taxi drivers, lawyers, farmers, and other concerned citizens, have also actively participated, significantly broadening the scope of the demonstrations. This growing participation underscores the widespread frustration and discontent felt by various segments of the population, each of whom are united in their opposition to the government's policies and their role in the tragic railway station collapse.