Anti-government protests continue in Serbia

(CLO) Tens of thousands of people in the capital Belgrade, Serbia joined a student-led protest against the government on Friday.

They stood in silence for 15 minutes in front of the headquarters of Serbian state television (RTS) to pay tribute to the victims of the railway station roof collapse. The protest was organized by students of the National University of Belgrade, demanding that those responsible for the collapse be brought to justice.

Video of Serbian protest crowd (source: X/Bohres)

The students accused President Aleksandar Vucic's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of corruption and cronyism. However, Mr Vucic and the SNS have denied all allegations.

Students at public universities in Belgrade, Kragujevac and Nis have suspended classes for weeks to demand the release of all documents related to the station's renovation and the criminal prosecution of officials involved in the tragedy.

Every day, students block traffic in front of the school gate for 15 minutes to remember the 15 unfortunate victims.

The disaster occurred on November 1, 2024, when the concrete roof of the newly renovated Novi Sad station collapsed, killing 14 people on the spot and injuring 3. One injured victim later died, bringing the total death toll to 15.

The opposition has used the incident to exert pressure and organize protests since the incident occurred. President Aleksandar Vucic called for calm and pledged to investigate the incident.

In fact, several officials have been held highly responsible for the accident. Among them, Serbia’s Construction Minister, Goran Vesic, resigned a few days after the accident. But protests have continued, with protesters calling for both the Serbian Prime Minister and the Mayor of Novi Sad to resign.

The political situation in Serbia has been very complicated since the general election last December, which was won by Mr. Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). Many protests by the pro-Western opposition took place in the country to protest the election results.

Under Vucic, who has been prime minister or president since 2014, Serbia has pursued a flexible foreign policy. Serbia wants to join the European Union, but the process has encountered many obstacles, especially related to the issue of Kosovo.

Serbia under Vucic has maintained close ties with Russia, especially in the energy and defense sectors, while trying to remain neutral amid tensions between the West and Russia.

Cao Phong (according to The Guardian, SRN, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bieu-tinh-sinh-vien-chong-chinh-quyen-tiep-tuc-dien-ra-ram-ro-o-serbia-post330938.html