With a moment of silence held in front of the Novi Sad Railway Station, thousands of citizens and students from the University of Novi Sad paid tribute to the 16 victims who died in the collapse of the station’s canopy on November 1, 2024. This silence was observed at 11:52 AM, symbolically marking the exact time of the tragedy.
After the tribute, protesters began a march through the city center, heading toward the Freedom Bridge. Students placed a memorial plaque on the lawn in front of the railway station, inscribed with the words “Novi Sad Remembers”, along with the date and time of the canopy’s collapse.
This six-month commemoration and protests were initiated by students who, for the past months, have been blocking various faculties across Serbia in support of their demands. In Belgrade, a protest was held in front of the Serbian Government building.
The protest in Belgrade was organized by students as well as representatives from five national trade unions, who joined the event in solidarity for International Workers’ Day (May 1). The trade unions voiced their support for the students’ demands, declaring that they stand united in their cause.
The main issue driving these student protests is the demand for criminal and political accountability for the Novi Sad accident. The students argue that negligence and corruption within the system might have led to the tragedy.
The Serbian government denies any blame, claiming that the students’ demands have been met and urging them to end their blockades. However, students assert that their demands have not been fulfilled, and they have vowed to continue their protests.
Alongside the students, professors, educators, farmers, lawyers, and artists have voiced their support for the movement, further amplifying the call for justice and systemic change.
