Serbian students lead protests anew
Serbian students led another anti-government protest in Kraljevo, continuing months of nationwide demonstrations triggered by the fatal collapse of a railway station roof last November. Protesters held up illuminated cell phones during a moment of silence before continuing with music and flares.
The tragedy, which claimed 15 lives when a train station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad, has become a powerful symbol of the anti-corruption movement challenging President Aleksandar Vučić's 12-year rule. The protests represent the most significant challenge to his administration, with demonstrators condemning the corruption and negligence they believe led to the disaster.
The "15 for 15" initiative—15 minutes of silence honoring the 15 victims—has spread across multiple cities including Belgrade and Novi Sad. In the capital, students marched to the Serbian Chamber of Engineers demanding accountability, while protesters in other locations blocked traffic during silent demonstrations, underscoring nationwide calls for justice and structural reform.
These protests have grown into Serbia's largest student-led movement in recent history, highlighting deep dissatisfaction with government corruption and perceived democratic backsliding. The movement gained additional momentum following allegations that police used sonic devices against demonstrators, causing health concerns. Though Serbian authorities, backed by Russian investigators, deny these claims, public skepticism persists.
In a significant effort to internationalize their cause, approximately 80 Serbian university students cycled over 1,300 kilometers to Strasbourg, France, seeking to raise awareness within European Union institutions about Serbia's situation.
While thousands of government supporters rallied in Belgrade last week backing President Vučić, the administration faces mounting pressure both domestically and internationally to address protesters' demands for meaningful reforms and greater transparency in governance.
