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Thursday, Apr 03, 2025

Protests and Commemorations Sweep Across Serbia on Anniversary of Novi Sad Tragedy

Protests and Commemorations Sweep Across Serbia on Anniversary of Novi Sad Tragedy

Students and citizens engage in nationwide demonstrations demanding accountability and justice following the tragic collapse at Novi Sad railway station.
Protests and commemorative events took place across Serbia, marking five months since the tragic collapse of a canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad, which resulted in 16 fatalities and left one person severely injured.

Students in Novi Sad organized a commemorative march, gathering near the University Rectorate and proceeding to the site of the tragedy.

An additional protest march was held in Niš, with attendees also commemorating the victims.

In Belgrade, high school students blocked a major highway from 15:00 to 19:00, while college students in Kragujevac blocked two major intersections.

These demonstrations are part of a broader wave of protests, including citizen assemblies and academic institution blockades, reflecting growing public outrage over perceived government inaction and accountability following the disaster.

The protests were intensified following an attack on Natalija Jovanović, the dean of the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš, which prompted a solidarity march involving professors, students, and citizens across cities like Novi Sad, Belgrade, and Kragujevac.

In Čačak, two protests were held in response to allegations of the use of sound cannons against demonstrators in Belgrade and in support of Dean Jovanović.

Student groups have expressed their demands, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability regarding the deaths at the Novi Sad railway station.

In a letter addressed to the miners of Serbia, the students articulated that transformation is possible only through unity, recalling a similar tragedy that claimed eight miners' lives at the Soko mine three years ago.

They linked systemic corruption to the lack of accountability for these fatalities, calling for solidarity among workers from various sectors.

In Kraljevo, another student assembly titled 'Five Months, No Answers' is scheduled, featuring a moment of silence for the victims.

Students at the University of Kragujevac performed a street theater piece as a means of expression, having previously blocked local roadways.

Their performance highlighted the lack of response from the government to protests and the ongoing demands for transparency.

Notably, the blockage of the Gazela Bridge in Belgrade concluded after four hours, showcasing the ongoing civil unrest and the determination of protesters to voice their grievances.

The local administration of Voždovac announced the termination of employment of a staff member linked to the alleged attacks on student demonstrators.

In response to the events, the government representatives made statements affirming their position regarding university governance amidst the ongoing protests.

Students indicated increasing skepticism toward the government's commitment to addressing their demands, citing recent incidents and a perceived lack of action against individuals accused of violence against protesters.

Commemorative gestures, including 16 minutes of silence observed in various cities, occurred at 11:52, coinciding with the exact time of the tragedy.

Floral tributes and memorials were placed at the scenes to honor the deceased.

The political opposition in Novi Sad also expressed solidarity with the families of the victims, demanding accountability and justice.

As protests continue to unfold, students have called for a larger gathering in Novi Pazar on April 12, inviting participation from citizens and students from other institutions.

Instances of violence and intimidation directed at academics have underscored the tensions within the academic community, prompting calls for unity and resistance against such actions.

Throughout Serbia, the collective memory of the tragedy remains a pivotal point for protest organizers and participants alike, driving efforts to seek meaningful change and accountability within the system.
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