The decision of the High Court in Novi Sad to dismiss the indictment in the so-called “Canopy Collapse” case has triggered strong public outrage and emotional reactions from the families of the victims, who say they have been humiliated and betrayed by the Serbian state.
The court’s pre-trial panel halted criminal proceedings against Goran Vesić, Jelena Tanasković, Anita Dimoski, Milan Spremić, Marina Gavrilović, and Dejan Todorović, effectively ending the case related to the tragic collapse of a canopy that claimed lives.
Among the most vocal critics was Dijana Hrka, the mother of Stefan Hrka, one of the young victims. Speaking to Nova.rs, she described the ruling as a national disgrace and a devastating blow to the families seeking justice.
“This is a disgrace and a shame for Serbia. We, the families, have been humiliated. The state has humiliated us,” Hrka said.
“I am deeply shocked and desperate. After this, I no longer believe in any institution in this country.”
Hrka did not spare criticism of Serbia’s political leadership, directly blaming President Aleksandar Vučić and the judiciary for what she described as systemic failure and moral collapse.
“This president is the bottom of the bottom, just like the judiciary and the prosecution,” she stated, accusing state institutions of protecting political power rather than delivering justice.
The dismissal of the indictment has reignited serious concerns over judicial independence, accountability, and political influence in Serbia, particularly in high-profile cases involving senior officials. Critics argue that the ruling reinforces the perception that those close to power remain untouchable, while victims’ families are left without answers or closure.
For the families of those who lost their lives, the ruling represents not just a legal setback, but a profound moral defeat, deepening mistrust in Serbia’s institutions and leadership.
