Focus on the BIG picture.
Wednesday, Apr 02, 2025

Thousands Rally in Belgrade as Students Lead Protests Over Railway Station Collapse

Protesters call for accountability following the roof collapse at Novi Sad station that resulted in 15 fatalities.
BELGRADE, Jan 17, 2025 — Thousands gathered silently for 15 minutes outside the state television RTS building in Belgrade on Friday, paying tribute to the victims of the roof collapse at the Novi Sad railway station.

The tragedy on November 1 resulted in 15 fatalities and has led to widespread demands for accountability.

Student-Driven Protests
Students from Belgrade University are at the forefront of the protests, blaming negligence and corruption by Serbian authorities as factors in the disaster.

Activist twins Lazar and Luka Stojakovic, from the Faculty of Organisational Science, have become key figures in the movement.

Despite accusations from the pro-government newspaper Vecernje Novosti that they are Croatian secret service agents, the brothers continue to lead demonstrations.

"Corruption has infiltrated every aspect of society, leading to the roof collapse and the death of 15 people," stated Luka Stojakovic during the protest.

Lazar Stojakovic added, "The fundamental issue is the lack of a system; one person makes all the decisions."

Demanding Accountability
For weeks, students have been blocking classes at universities in Belgrade, Kragujevac, and Nis.

They call for the release of all documents concerning the Novi Sad station renovation and prosecution of those responsible.

Every day, protesters halt traffic in front of their universities for 15 minutes, commemorating the 15 victims.

The collapse involved a newly renovated concrete awning, which fell on November 1, killing 14 people instantly and injuring three others, one of whom later died.

The renovation has faced criticism for poor workmanship and lack of oversight.

Government Criticism
Protesters have targeted their criticism at the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and President Aleksandar Vucic, accusing them of fostering corruption and nepotism.

Both Vucic and the SNS deny these allegations.

The protests serve as a broader symbol of dissatisfaction with governance in Serbia, particularly regarding infrastructure oversight and public accountability.

Protesters pledge to continue until their demands are met.

Wider Impact
The Novi Sad station tragedy has increased scrutiny on public infrastructure projects across Serbia.

Many citizens are calling for greater transparency and systemic reforms to prevent future disasters.

Meanwhile, government officials have yet to provide a comprehensive explanation or address calls for criminal responsibility.

As protests persist, the movement underscores growing public frustration with corruption and governance issues in Serbia.

The events in Belgrade draw attention to larger challenges facing the nation’s political and administrative systems.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Millions of Noncitizens Are Granted Social Security Numbers During the Biden Administration
Europe Pursues Digital Autonomy Amidst Transatlantic Strains
A Large Blaze Breaks Out in Malaysia Following a Gas Pipe Explosion
OpenAI Obtains Unprecedented $40 Billion Investment
Argentina’s “Magician” or a PR Illusion? “Individuals Are Sifting Through Garbage and Residing on the Streets”
Charity Chairwoman Alleges Prince Harry of Harassment and Bullying
DOGE revealed that USAID provided $84 million to the Clinton Foundation. Of this amount, $3 million was spent on Chelsea Clinton's wedding, while $10 million was used to buy a luxury mansion.
The State Department has announced that it is officially closing USAID.
Apple's Innovation Deficit: Falling Behind in AI and Foldable Technology in Light of Chinese Progress
President Trump Proposes Military Intervention to Obtain Greenland
Passenger Taken into Custody for Indecent Act on SWISS Air Flight
Ecuador Gears Up for Influx of US Military as It Intensifies Campaign Against Violent Drug Cartels
Barcelona player Danny Alves cleared of rape allegations.
TESLA PROTESTERS TARGET CYBERTRUCK OWNER, SHOUT "NAZI" INSULT
Rachel Zegler has officially been benched by Disney
Are they correct?
PUTIN'S LIMOUSINE BLOWS UP—SECURITY CHAOS ENSUES
The Secret Service plans to fire DEI-hired agents, but an Obama-appointed judge rules it illegal.
French Foreign Ministry Denounces U.S. Interference in Corporate Diversity Policies
Copyright Issues Emerge as Studio Ghibli Images Created by AI Gain Popularity
This is what we refer to as CREATIVITY.
The Book Mark Zuckerberg Doesn’t Want You to Read Becomes a Huge Bestseller
Removing the political opponent means eradicating what's remaining of Turkey's economy.
Malaysia Tightens Semiconductor Regulations Amid U.S. Pressure to Curb AI NVIDI Chip Exports to China
OpenAI Launches Fresh Image Generation Tool for ChatGPT
Former FIFA President and French soccer icon exonerated of corruption allegations.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz Under Investigation After Journalist Added to Secret Military Chat
Ex-Business Partner of Hunter Biden Discusses Possible Pardon from President Trump
FBI Director Denies Report of Major ATF Agent Reallocation
American Brands Face Consumer Boycott in Europe Amid Escalating Trade and Political Tensions
U.S. Attorney General Announces Task Force to Prosecute Government Fraud
White House Investigates Security Breach After Journalist Accidentally Added to Secret Yemen Strike Chat
Samsung Executive Han Jong-hee Dies Suddenly Amid Ongoing Corporate Challenges
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has just signed off on a national debt hike to fast-track Germany’s militarization
Turkey jails Istanbul mayor ahead of trial, igniting widespread public backlash
Heathrow Airport Restarts Operations Following Initiation of Power Outage Inquiry
Safeguard your Tesla against vandalism and threats using 'Sentry Mode'—an integrated security feature that notifies you of potential risks and captures unusual behavior. Discover how to activate it and ensure your vehicle's safety.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Under Investigation for His Involvement in Democratic Romanian Election Annulment
Pope Francis Makes His First Public Appearance in Five Weeks After Being Hospitalized
Pope Francis Released from Hospital Following Pneumonia Treatment
Tesla Cybertrucks Defaced During Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans
Usha Vance to Head U.S. Delegation During Greenland Visit Amid Discussions on Annexation
Elon Musk Files Lawsuit Against Jamaal Bowman for Defamatory Remarks
IMF Weighs $20 Billion Loan for Argentina
Johnson & Johnson Unveils $55 Billion Commitment to U.S. Manufacturing
Boston Celtics Acquired for an Unprecedented $6.1 Billion by Private Equity Executive Bill Chisholm
Iconic Boxer George Foreman Dies at 76
European Airline Shares Fall Following Disruption from Heathrow Power Outage
Pope Francis Set to Leave Hospital Following Pneumonia Recovery
Unveiling the Electromagnetic Characteristics of the Great Pyramid of Giza
×