Student movement in Serbia demands accountability for Novi Sad tragedy

University students organised protest actions in several cities across Serbia on Friday, along with citizens and high school students, holding a commemorative event to honour the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy.

On 1 November, a concrete awning collapsed at the recently renovated Novi Sad train station, killing dozens of people and severely injuring two others.

Serbian university students left piles of old school books outside the Education Ministry building as part of almost daily street protests demanding accountability.

Scattered traffic blockades were also held in various locations throughout Serbia at 11:52 am — the exact time that the concrete construction on the front of the station crashed into the people below.

The traffic blockades have been held every Friday since the 1 November incident, lasting 15 minutes for the 15 victims.

Many in Serbia blame the collapse on widespread corruption and sloppy work on the railway station building in the city of Novi Sad which was twice renovated in recent years as part of questionable mega projects involving Chinese state companies.

Persistent protests in Serbia reflect widespread anger at the accident but also wider discontent with the rule of populist President Aleksandar Vučić and his government.

Tens of thousands joined a big rally last Sunday in Belgrade led by university students.

Prosecutors have arrested 13 people over the tragedy, including a government minister whose release later fuelled public scepticism about the honesty of the investigation.

Striking university students have garnered support from various walks of life, challenging the tight grip on the power of Vučić’s government.

The movement’s symbol — a red handprint telling authorities they have blood on their hands — has been used by actors, farmers and others backing the protests.

Video editor • Rory Elliott Armstrong