Belgrade, Serbia – Students in Belgrade have staged a 24-hour blockade at a major road junction in the “Autokomanda” neighborhood, a section of the international E-75 route.
The demonstration, which began early this morning, marks a continuation of the nationwide protests following the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad’s train station on November 1, 2024, which claimed 15 lives.
The students, who announced their protest plans in detail on social media, emphasized that the demonstration would remain peaceful.
They assured the public that they would not obstruct the highway or tram tracks and called upon citizens to join them in demanding accountability for the disaster.
At exactly 11:52 a.m. local time, the moment when the Novi Sad tragedy occurred, the protesters observed 15 minutes of silence in memory of the victims.
This act of remembrance has become a daily occurrence across Serbia, as citizens nationwide pause to commemorate the lives lost.
Police Presence and Government Response
Authorities have maintained a presence at the protest site following a directive from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. While Vučić has declared the students’ actions unlawful, he instructed law enforcement to ensure safety rather than disrupt the protest.
Three days ago, student leaders called for a general strike, inspiring tens of thousands of citizens to take to the streets. On January 24, protests erupted in multiple Serbian cities, with maps of planned demonstrations circulating widely online.
However, despite the significant turnout, no national unions have officially endorsed the general strike.
Legal experts appearing on local media have debated the feasibility of such large-scale work stoppages under Serbian law, warning that participants could face government or employer retaliation.
Vučić’s Counter-Movement
In response to the growing unrest, President Vučić addressed his supporters in a counter-rally in Jagodina, central Serbia. He announced plans to establish a new non-partisan movement while criticizing the legality of the protests.
Although he condemned the demonstrations, he refrained from announcing any immediate repressive measures against the participants.
The government has faced mounting pressure over the Novi Sad disaster, with opposition figures and activists demanding accountability from officials and construction companies involved in the station’s redevelopment.
While authorities have launched an investigation into the collapse, protesters argue that systemic negligence and corruption within the construction sector led to the tragedy.
Anticipated Government Response
Later today, President Vučić, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, and Parliamentary Speaker Vladimir Orlić are expected to issue a joint statement addressing the ongoing protests and the escalating unrest.
Analysts predict that the government may attempt to de-escalate tensions while reaffirming its stance against what it considers illegal demonstrations.
As Serbia braces for further developments, the student-led protests signal a broader wave of dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of public infrastructure and safety.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the coming days may determine the trajectory of the protest movement and the state’s response to mounting dissent.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members