Mass protests planned as Serbia marks anniversary of train station collapse

In Novi Sad, in northern Serbia, tens of thousands of people gather to pay tribute to the victims of a tragedy that claimed 16 lives a year ago.

Since Serbia’s second-largest city’s railway station’s collapse on November 1, 2024, which became a symbol of enshrined corruption, regular student protests have erupted.

Protesters initially demanded a fair investigation, but soon after that, they began demanding early elections.

Since Friday, students have been arriving in Novi Sad by car, bicycle, or foot, calling for the “largest commemorative gathering” on Saturday and others.

Thousands of people marched from Belgrade, stopping at about 340 kilometers (210 miles) south of the capital, and then moved on to Novi Pazar, which is located about 340 kilometers (210 miles) south. They had 16 days to complete the march.

Novi Sad residents greeted the marchers, waving flags and blowing whistles, many of whom were clearly moved.

I’m trying to get justice, I say.

One of the victims was Dijana Hrka’s 27-year-old son.

She told Al Jazeera, “I want to know who killed my child so that I can have a little peace, so that I don’t keep going through hell.”

Hrka continued, “I’m seeking justice. No other mother would want to experience what I’m going through.

The prime minister resigned, his government fell, and a new one was formed as a result of the protests over the station’s collapse. However, nationalist leader Aleksandar Vucic has remained in office without fail.

Vucic frequently referred to demonstrators as being part of a foreign-funded coup, while SNS supporters pushed conspiracy theories, claiming that the train station roof collapse was an intentional attack.

Vucic apologized for saying things he now regrets in a rare gesture made during a televised public address on Friday.

“This applies to both protesters and students, as well as to others with whom I disagreed. Vucic apologized and demanded dialogue.

16 minutes of silence will be observed for 16 victims during the commemorative rally at the Novi Sad railway station on Saturday at 11:52 a.m. (10:52 GMT), the day the tragedy occurred.

Goran Vesic, a former construction minister, and thirteen others were charged in a criminal case involving the collapse.

A European Union-backed investigation into possible misuse of EU funds in the project is now being conducted in a separate anticorruption investigation.

Corruption is “sky high.”

The Belgrade Saint Sava church, home to the victims’ families, will host a mass for the victims on Saturday, according to the government’s decree that Saturday is a day of national mourning.

The EU delegation in Serbia issued a statement, “On this sad anniversary, we appeal to everyone to act with restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid violence.”

Serbian political analyst Aleksandar Popov claimed that “sky-high” corruption is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.

He said, “We’re not talking about tens of millions of euros, but hundreds of millions of euros that have been spun through significant infrastructure projects, perhaps billions of euros.”

He continued, “This government and the president have taken control of all important state institutions, including the judiciary.”