Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Novi Sad demanding accountability from Serbian officials following the tragic collapse of a roof at the city’s railway station that killed 14 people and seriously injured three others.
Critics of the government say it could trigger a wave of further protests similar to those that followed mass shootings in Serbia in 2023, when tens of thousands marched for a change of government.
According to various estimates, up to 10,000 people gathered in the streets. A large police presence, including officers in protective gear, guarded key locations. The protest began at 18:00 with a minute of silence, with participants displaying photographs of the victims.
To counter perceived provocations, opposition parties organised their own guards to monitor the demonstration. The protest did turn violent when several masked men attempted to forcefully enter the City Hall, throwing stones, breaking windows and painting the building red.
Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Goran Vesić resigned four days after the incident. Protesters are also calling for the arrest of those responsible for the failed reconstruction of the station and for full transparency of any undisclosed contracts involving Chinese companies linked to the project.
Another protest is planned for later this week in Belgrade as calls for the resignation continue.
