After 16 days on hunger strike, Dijana Hrka, the mother of Stefan Hrka, who died in a tragic collapse at the Novi Sad railway station, has ended her protest today. Meanwhile, transport operator Milomir Jaćimović, who has been on a hunger strike for eight days, faces renewed tensions as police attempt to seize his remaining bus.
The situation escalated this afternoon when police in Novi Sad deployed a special vehicle to tow Jaćimović’s bus, prompting a response from citizens and activists at the scene, according to local media.
At 17:04, Hrka announced she was ending her hunger strike, stating:
“My message was misunderstood. I only wanted to stop anyone from joining my hunger strike, I did not want anyone’s health to be at risk. I received blessings from a priest and medical pleas to stop. I believe I am needed alive, and that’s why I decided to end the strike.”
Her decision comes after widespread public support, including from student groups and activist movements. This afternoon, more supporters, including the group “Mothers for a Mother”, gathered at her tent to urge her to prioritize her health.
Shortly after, Jaćimović, whose seven buses were confiscated under disputed circumstances, called for a blockade of Belgrade, saying:
“Let’s all go to Belgrade and block the city until this is resolved.”
His minor son, Milan Jaćimović, also resumed a hunger strike in protest of the latest police action. Their demands remain the same: return of all seven buses and cancellation of alleged multimillion fines, which Jaćimović insists were imposed illegally for transporting students for free.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to simmer across the country as solidarity actions take place, especially among students and civil society groups. In Niš, student protesters reported “intense cyber attacks” aimed at silencing their channels, which are used to coordinate nationwide messages of support.
In Novi Sad, citizens today held a 16-minute silence to honor the memory of Anja Radonjić, the 15th victim of the station collapse. At the same time, police continue to stand guard over the recently returned bus of Jaćimović, without providing clear justification.
As public pressure mounts and hunger strikes intensify, the situation remains fragile, with calls for accountability, transparency, and justice growing louder across Serbia.
