Thousands join student-led protest – DW – 12/22/2024

Serbians took to the streets in the capital Belgrade on Sunday to protest against the current government.

According to a statement from the Interior Ministry, about 29,000 people participated in the demonstrations.

Serbia’s government is under pressure after seven weeks of sporadic demonstrations across the country in response to the collapse of a train station roof in the northern city of Novi Sad that killed 15 people.

Protesters have blamed the train ceiling collapse on widespread corruption and sloppy work at the railway station building, which was renovated twice in recent years as part of projects involving Chinese state companies.

About 13 people have been arrested over the Novi Sad tragedy, including a government minister. But the subsequent release of the minister raised doubts among the public about the investigation.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic dismissed the protests on Saturday, saying he “doesn’t really care” about the protests, accusing his opponents of manipulating students to gain power.

But he described Sunday’s protests as a “fairly large crowd” and said he was “ready” to listen to protesters’ demands.

a student-led movement

Sunday’s protests, like previous weeks, were organized by students, but Sunday received additional support from groups such as farmer unions, actors and teachers.

The gathering began with a 15-minute silence at the Novi Sad train station as a tribute to the 15 victims.

Following this solemn moment, protesters staged a “half-hour noise” by blowing whistles and other loud noises.

The rally in Belgrade’s Slavija Square was considered one of the largest in recent years to challenge Vucic’s power.

In response to the protest movement, the government of Serbia has extended the school winter holidays, starting about a week earlier.

Authorities have also promised various subsidies for young people in an effort to calm public anger.

jcg/msh (AP, AFP, Reuters)