In Serbia, thousands of people demonstrate against the authorities, more than a month after the collapse of the roof of a station

The mobilization is growing, more than seven weeks after the collapse of the roof of a railway station in northern Serbia, which caused the death of fifteen people. Thousands of people demonstrated on Sunday December 22 in Belgrade to demand accountability from those in power. Since the tragedy that occurred in the city of Novi Sad at the beginning of November, the Serbian government has been under pressure from demonstrators, with many protesters accusing the authorities of corruption and negligence in the control of public infrastructure.

Organized by students, Sunday's rally in the Serbian capital began with fifteen minutes of silence in tribute to the fifteen dead, Agence France-Presse (AFP) noted on site. Farmers, actors and others from all over Serbia were also present.

Protesters occupied Slavija Square, blocking virtually the entire city center. They once again demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister, Milos Vucevic, and the mayor of Novi Sad following the disaster, as well as the appearance before the courts of those responsible in this affair.

Growing mobilization

The students also demanded that individuals who attacked demonstrators during previous mobilizations be prosecuted, as well as the cancellation of the charges against their comrades who participated in the rallies.

In total, fourteen people, aged 6 to 74, died on 1^is November, when the roof of the station collapsed, after major renovation work on the building. A fifteenth victim died in hospital a few weeks later.

Since this tragedy, tension has increased against the government, with demonstrations regularly organized throughout Serbia and daily street blockades of fifteen minutes. Sporadic violence breaks out during certain gatherings.

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.