Dijana Hrka, mother of Stefan Hrka, who died in a roof collapse at Novi Sad railway station, continues her hunger strike for justice, now entering its sixth day. Her protest has sparked widespread support across Serbia, drawing students, high schoolers, farmers, and civil society activists to the Serbian National Assembly.
The movement has mobilized a diverse group of supporters. Students from Niš and other cities are sleeping in tents in shifts near Hrka’s camp to provide protection and assistance. Nikola, one of the students from Niš, said, “This is no longer just a student or civic matter. It’s about humanity. The nights are hard and cold, but we endure.” Students have reportedly walked from Novi Sad and back to join the protest, demonstrating their commitment to Hrka’s cause.
High school students from Belgrade and Kragujevac have boycotted classes to participate in protest walks, while citizens across the country have observed 16-minute moments of silence for the 16 victims of the Novi Sad incident, including Hrka’s son.
Farmers and other community members have also joined the demonstrations, showing solidarity with Hrka’s demand for accountability. Teachers and school staff have organized rotating duty schedules to ensure continuous support at the protest site.
The demonstrations have seen some tensions. Several activists in Novi Sad were detained briefly for leaving handprints and the number 16 on the offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). Additionally, auto-transporter Milomir Jaćimović was detained for blocking access to municipal offices in protest.
Hrka publicly challenged President Aleksandar Vučić to meet her personally to discuss the tragedy. However, she expressed doubt that he would appear, stating that he “does not have the courage.”
While the protest camp has raised concerns among some parents regarding safety and environmental issues, they continue to support Hrka’s cause.
Protests and solidarity gatherings are scheduled throughout the day in Belgrade, Kragujevac, Subotica, Novi Pazar, and other cities, signaling strong national engagement in the movement.
Hrka’s hunger strike has become a focal point for public discourse on government accountability, civic engagement, and public safety, drawing attention to both the human impact of the Novi Sad tragedy and broader societal concerns.
