Keystone-SDA
Thousands of people demonstrated in Belgrade on Sunday to demand accountability after the roof of a railway station in northern Serbia collapsed last month, killing 15 people.
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December 22, 2024 – 5:32 p.m.
(Keystone-ATS) For more than seven weeks, the Serbian government has been under pressure from demonstrations following this tragedy in the city of Novi Sad, with many protesters accusing the authorities of corruption and lack of control.
Sunday's rally in the Serbian capital, organized by students, began with 15 minutes of silence in tribute to the 15 dead, AFP noted.
Farmers, actors and others from all over Serbia were also present.
Protesters occupied Slavija Square, blocking virtually the entire city center. They demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and the mayor of Novi Sad following the disaster, as well as the appearance in court of those responsible in this affair.
The students also want those who attacked them during previous protests to be prosecuted and are calling for the charges against their comrades who participated in the rallies to be dropped.
Tensions
Fourteen people, aged between six and 74, died on site on November 1 when the roof collapsed after major renovation work at the station. A 15th victim died in hospital a few weeks later.
Since this tragedy, tensions have remained high, with demonstrations across Serbia and daily 15-minute street blockades, while sporadic violence broke out during some rallies.
On Saturday, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said he would not back down from protesters.
At the same time, he encouraged the provision of subsidies for the purchase of apartments or houses for young people, which was seen by many as an attempt to alleviate their anger.
On Friday, the government also announced its intention to close schools earlier than planned for the winter holidays.
