Hundreds of citizens and activists gathered in front of the Serbian Presidency building in Belgrade on December 11, during the scheduled speech of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
The activists of the informal student organization “Borba” announced the gathering on Instagram with the message: “The president is talking about student blockades, come to the Presidency so our voices can be heard.”
Dozens of state universities in Serbia have been blocked following the attacks on students during protests related to the deadly railway station accident in Novi Sad.
Students who have blocked four state universities – in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and Kragujevac – are demanding, among other things, the release of secret documents regarding the reconstruction of the Novi Sad Railway Station, where 15 people lost their lives and two others were seriously injured during the collapse of a roof shelter on November 1.
They are also calling for the dismissal of charges against students who were arrested and detained during the protests that followed the accident.
The accident occurred only a few months after the grand opening of the station following a three-year reconstruction project.
Government representatives have condemned the protests and blockades.
Vučić’s “Good News” for Students
Meanwhile, Vučić announced during a media conference that “political demonstrations” were taking place outside. He said he aimed to deliver “good news” to the students.
He also emphasized that a monument will be erected at the site of the accident at the Novi Sad railway station in honor of the victims.
Regarding the demands of the protesting students, Vučić said all detained students had been “released.”
“If they are convicted for riots, I will make the decision to pardon them,” Vučić added.
He also mentioned that he had asked the Speaker of the Serbian Parliament, Ana Brnabić, to set a session in the agenda for the replacement of the government. /REL
