Thousands of protesters, including students from Novi Sad and Belgrade, gathered today to block Novi Sad’s three main bridges in a 24-hour demonstration marking three months since the tragic collapse of the railway station canopy that killed 15 people.
Mass Turnout and Student-Led Protest
The blockade began earlier than planned, with large crowds arriving at Liberty Bridge around 2:30 PM from the Fruška Gora side. By 3 PM, thousands of people had completely occupied Liberty Bridge, Varadin Bridge (Duga), and Žeželj Bridge. Protesters continue to pour in, many carrying Serbian flags and banners with slogans such as:
- “Freedom is not on sale”
- “Justice for our children”
- “Be someone’s superhero – student”
- “Change from the roots”
- A caricature of President Aleksandar Vučić with the phrase “I disgust myself, but I won’t stop fooling around”
Unity and Determination
The protest exudes a spirit of unity and solidarity, as students from Belgrade arrived on foot and by bicycle, welcomed by Novi Sad residents along the way. Protesters are blowing whistles and horns, while police officers stand by at the bridge entrances to ensure safety.
The three-hour bridge blockade will transition into a 24-hour sit-in at Liberty Bridge, culminating in a citizen assembly on Sunday. Organizers say this is just the beginning of their fight for justice and accountability.