On the 13th day of her hunger strike, Dijana Hrka continues to demand accountability from the Serbian government after the death of her son and 15 others in the Novi Sad canopy collapse in November 2024. The government, led by President Aleksandar Vučić, has repeatedly ignored calls for justice and delayed parliamentary action, forcing citizens to resort to drastic measures to make their voices heard.
Alarming Situation in Belgrade:
- Hrka has been on hunger strike since 2 November 2025, leaving her weak and requiring medical infusion due to low blood pressure.
- She remains largely confined to a wheelchair, only occasionally leaving her protest tent to acknowledge supporters.
- Hundreds of citizens, mainly high school students, continue to rally in solidarity, highlighting the government’s failure to address public outrage.
- Participants observed 16 minutes of silence, representing each victim of the Novi Sad tragedy.
Hunger Strike in Novi Sad – Bus Operator Jaćimović:
- Milomir Jaćimović, a bus operator who transported students to anti-government protests, has been on hunger strike for five days in Novi Sad, protesting punitive measures imposed by the state.
- His minor son joined but ended his strike, demonstrating the growing desperation among citizens facing government repression.
- Despite his protests, Jaćimović remains reportedly healthy and continues to receive support from unions and cultural institutions, in stark contrast to the state’s indifference.
Government Negligence and Public Outrage:
- Serbia has witnessed over a year of student-led anti-government protests, yet the Vučić administration has failed to take responsibility for the deaths of 16 people.
- Calls for early parliamentary elections and criminal accountability have been ignored, even as investigations stall and trials for officials involved have yet to begin.
- The hunger strikes highlight a government that is out of touch, evasive, and willing to risk citizens’ lives rather than addressing systemic failures.
