Serbian protests demand justice for collapse
Serbian students and citizens continued their protests in Belgrade blocking a major traffic intersection to demand accountability for last November's deadly train station collapse in Novi Sad that killed 15 people. The demonstration, planned to last 24 hours, saw thousands gathering at the Autokomanda junction, where protesters used mobile phones to illuminate the scene.
The protests, which began as a response to the November 1 tragedy, have expanded to over 100 cities and towns, gaining support from various sectors including judiciary members, teachers, private businesses, and farmers. Some farmers brought tractors to protect demonstrators following incidents where vehicles had rammed into protest crowds.
The movement challenges President Aleksandar Vučić's government, which has faced accusations of corruption and negligence in the station collapse. While the government has made some concessions, including declassifying documents related to the incident and charging 13 people (including former transport minister Goran Vesić), protesters demand more comprehensive action.
The demonstrations have shown remarkable resilience, with a December 22 protest drawing 100,000 people despite presidential threats of force. Protest leaders are calling for an end to demonstrator prosecutions, justice for those who attacked protesters, and increased education funding.
Analysts note the unique nature of these student-led protests, which bypass traditional opposition tactics by directly demanding institutional accountability. The movement's focus on justice has resonated widely in a region long plagued by governance issues.
The presence of farmers with tractors has drawn parallels to the 2000 protests that led to Slobodan Milošević's fall, though experts note that such change required security forces' support. The current protests represent a significant challenge to Vučić's leadership, which has dominated Serbian politics since 2014, with growing public participation suggesting a possible shift in the country's political landscape.
