Thousands of citizens gathered in Belgrade to welcome a group of students from Novi Pazar, who have been walking for 13 days across Serbia on their way to a commemorative gathering in Novi Sad on November 1.
The students—marching more than 400 kilometers—were met late Monday evening with cheers, torches, fireworks, and applause as they arrived in the capital. Citizens welcomed one group at the entrance to Belgrade near Ada Ciganlija, while another, which walked part of the journey in relay, was greeted near Trošarina.
The walk concluded for the day at the University Rectorate in Vasina Street, where thousands of supporters awaited them on a red carpet, chanting “Novi Pazar!” amid an emotional celebration.
“In thirteen days, all prejudices and seeds of hatred that once existed have been torn down,” said student Inas Hodžić, addressing the crowd at Students’ Square. “We were driven by a desire for justice. From this journey, unity, love, and solidarity have been born.”
Another student, Kenan Škrijelj, told Radio Free Europe:
“This welcome cannot be described in words. I feel proud of my city and of all of us. See you in Novi Sad.”
Student Fazila Hačković, who also walked from Novi Pazar, added:
“It’s unbelievable how many people came. I’m overjoyed and full of emotion. I’m not tired—this is our greatest motivation.”
The group will rest in Belgrade before beginning the final leg to Novi Sad, where they will be joined by over 4,000 students from the capital.
Meanwhile, other groups of students from western Serbia—including Čačak, Kraljevo, Valjevo, and Kragujevac—have also been marching toward Novi Sad, along with participants from Subotica, Vršac, and Niš (the latter traveling by bicycle).
The November 1 gathering marks one year since the deaths of 16 people and the serious injury of another in the collapse of the reconstructed railway station roof in Novi Sad in 2024.
Student groups have since led nationwide protests, demanding accountability from the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and justice for the victims. Over the past year, Serbia has witnessed some of its largest protests in recent history, with hundreds of thousands rallying in solidarity with the student movement.
