Protests Erupt in Serbia Demanding Accountability for Deadly Canopy Collapse
Students who have been blocking academic faculties at the University of Belgrade for weeks organized a protest on December 22, 2023, to demand accountability for the tragic collapse of a canopy at the train station in Novi Sad, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people. The streets surrounding Slavija Square in central Belgrade were closed to traffic as thousands gathered, with support from farmers, actors, and educators joining the student-led initiative.
The demonstration commenced at 4:30 PM local time, beginning with 15 minutes of silence in remembrance of the victims from the November 1 incident, which also caused serious injuries to two individuals. Many participants illuminated the night with their mobile phone lights held aloft, creating a poignant atmosphere of remembrance.
Following this solemn tribute, the participants filled the air with a cacophony of whistles and vuvuzelas for another 30 minutes, amplifying their message of urgency and frustration. The protest organizers are calling for the government to identify and prosecute those found responsible for the violence directed at demonstrators during prior protests that ensued following the canopy's collapse. They also urged for the release of activists who were detained during earlier demonstrations, demanding an end to the legal proceedings against them.
In the wake of the canopy collapse, Serbians have held continual protests to advocate for accountability. While some protests turned violent, the December 22 demonstration remained peaceful, a sign of unity among the diverse groups involved. The situation has posed a significant political challenge for President Aleksandar Vucic, as over 50 academic faculties across four state universities, numerous university rectors, and many high schools remain blocked in solidarity with the protests.
Students have also demonstrated persistently in other cities, initiating daily protests where traffic comes to a standstill for 15 minutes as a form of civil disobedience. This outcry against public safety issues highlights the urgency of the demands being made by demonstrators.
The tragic accident itself occurred after the railway station underwent renovations twice in recent years, executed by a Chinese-led consortium of four companies. While Serbian Railways contends that the renovations did not include the concrete overhang, this assertion has been disputed by several experts.
On November 21, the Higher Public Prosecutors Office in Novi Sad announced the arrest of 11 individuals in connection to the canopy's collapse, including former Construction Transport and Infrastructure Minister Goran Vesic and the ex-director of railway infrastructure, Jelena Tanaskovic. Should they be found guilty of the charges brought against them, including committing criminal acts against public security and irregular construction work, they could face a prison sentence of up to 12 years.
The recent protests underscore a critical response from the Serbian public, urging for systemic changes and accountability in government actions regarding infrastructure safety and public welfare.
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