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Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025
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Massive Protests Erupt in Serbia Against President Vučić Amid Corruption Allegations
Hundreds of thousands gather in Belgrade demanding accountability following a fatal railway station collapse.
In recent days, Serbia has witnessed unprecedented protests as hundreds of thousands of citizens converged on the capital, Belgrade, to express discontent with President Aleksandar Vučić's administration.
The demonstrations, described as the largest since the fall of Slobodan Milošević in 2000, were sparked by a tragic incident in November 2024, when the canopy of the main railway station in Novi Sad collapsed, resulting in 15 fatalities and several injuries.
The Novi Sad station, constructed in 1964, underwent renovations between 2021 and mid-2024. The collapse occurred on November 1, 2024, leading to widespread public outrage and allegations of government negligence and corruption.
Investigations revealed that the canopy was not part of the recent renovations, raising concerns about oversight and accountability.
The protests have been predominantly student-led, with participants demanding transparency and justice for the victims.
Over time, the movement has garnered support from various sectors, including farmers, lawyers, and other professionals, reflecting a broad coalition dissatisfied with the current administration.
During a significant rally in Belgrade, tensions escalated when attendees reported a sudden, piercing noise that caused panic and a brief stampede.
Some experts speculated that a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), commonly referred to as a 'sonic weapon,' might have been used.
However, these claims have not been independently verified.
President Vučić has categorically denied the allegations, labeling them as unfounded and calling for investigations to address the claims.
In response to the mounting pressure, several high-profile resignations have occurred, including that of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević.
Despite these developments, President Vučić remains resolute, dismissing the protests as attempts to destabilize the government and asserting that he will not succumb to external pressures.
The European Union and the United Nations have called on Serbian authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly and ensure the safety of demonstrators.
As the protests continue, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and democratic principles in addressing the nation's challenges.
The demonstrations, described as the largest since the fall of Slobodan Milošević in 2000, were sparked by a tragic incident in November 2024, when the canopy of the main railway station in Novi Sad collapsed, resulting in 15 fatalities and several injuries.
The Novi Sad station, constructed in 1964, underwent renovations between 2021 and mid-2024. The collapse occurred on November 1, 2024, leading to widespread public outrage and allegations of government negligence and corruption.
Investigations revealed that the canopy was not part of the recent renovations, raising concerns about oversight and accountability.
The protests have been predominantly student-led, with participants demanding transparency and justice for the victims.
Over time, the movement has garnered support from various sectors, including farmers, lawyers, and other professionals, reflecting a broad coalition dissatisfied with the current administration.
During a significant rally in Belgrade, tensions escalated when attendees reported a sudden, piercing noise that caused panic and a brief stampede.
Some experts speculated that a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), commonly referred to as a 'sonic weapon,' might have been used.
However, these claims have not been independently verified.
President Vučić has categorically denied the allegations, labeling them as unfounded and calling for investigations to address the claims.
In response to the mounting pressure, several high-profile resignations have occurred, including that of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević.
Despite these developments, President Vučić remains resolute, dismissing the protests as attempts to destabilize the government and asserting that he will not succumb to external pressures.
The European Union and the United Nations have called on Serbian authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly and ensure the safety of demonstrators.
As the protests continue, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and democratic principles in addressing the nation's challenges.
