In Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, tens of thousands protested against the Serbian government last night. They demand accountability for the collapse of a train station roof in Novi Sad, a northern city, which resulted in fifteen deaths in early November.
Anti-government demonstrations, mostly by students, have been ongoing for weeks across the country. The protesters attribute the incident to government corruption, particularly in public project bidding and oversight.
The protest began with fifteen minutes of silence, followed by noise from whistles and vuvuzelas. Citizens from across Serbia, including farmers and actors, gathered in Belgrade to support the students.
Protests also occurred in the southern city of Nis and other locations. The student-led movement appears to be expanding to high school students.
In response, the government decided to advance the start of the school holiday, originally scheduled for December 30, by a week, citing the need to ensure the safety of schoolchildren.
Source: NOS