Demonstrations opposing government and law enforcement brutality in Serbia
In the heart of Serbia, demonstrations have been ongoing for over ten months, sparked by a tragic event that took place on November 1, 2024. The collapse of a newly renovated train station canopy in Novi Sad resulted in the deaths of 16 people, an incident that has since become the focus of public outrage.
The most recent demonstration, held in Belgrade, saw thousands of citizens voice their anger against President Aleksandar Vucic. The protests were in response to the police's actions in Novi Sad, where, according to reports, officers used tear gas, stun grenades, and batons against peaceful protesters.
The train station disaster is under investigation for potential corruption, with independent experts and opposition figures blaming shoddy workmanship for the collapse. Corruption under the Vucic government is also being scrutinised, with protesters accusing the president of corruption and autocracy.
The protests have been primarily directed at the police's recent violent intervention in Novi Sad. In the city, the pro-government dean forced students to leave a building they had occupied for nine months, a move that further fuelled the protesters' anger.
The demonstrators gathered in front of the government building, the courthouse, and several interior ministry facilities, expressing their discontent and demanding accountability. The independent TV station N1 reported the demonstration in Belgrade, providing coverage of the ongoing protests and the issues at the heart of the public's discontent.
The train station disaster in Novi Sad continues to cast a long shadow over the Serbian government, with the opposition and experts calling for transparency and justice. As the investigation continues, the people of Serbia remain united in their quest for answers and change.
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