The collapse of the canopy at the renovated Novi Sad Railway Station, which killed 17 people, has once again exposed a deep institutional and judicial crisis in Serbia, raising serious concerns about political interference, selective justice, and the erosion of the rule of law.
Controversial Court Decision Sparks Public Outrage
In a decision widely criticized by legal experts and civil society, the Higher Court in Novi Sad suspended criminal proceedings against three senior state officials, including former Construction Minister Goran Vesić, ruling that they were not “reasonably suspected” of responsibility in the deadly incident.
This ruling came despite the fact that identical charges and evidence had initially been brought against Vesić and his close associate, and despite the ongoing public insistence on accountability following months of protests led by students and professionals.
Critics describe the ruling as an unprecedented embarrassment for the judiciary and a humiliation for the victims’ families, noting that Vesić was never meaningfully detained and was effectively cleared before any public trial could take place.
Allegations of Political Influence
Legal analysts argue that the decision cannot be separated from President Aleksandar Vučić’s public statements, in which he declared that Vesić was innocent, a personal friend, and that “the profession” was to blame instead.
Observers warn that such remarks represent direct and impermissible pressure on the judiciary, particularly given Vučić’s dual role as head of state and dominant political actor, often operating in clear conflict of interest.
Judiciary Under Growing Pressure
Public prosecutors — especially the Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office (TOK) — have faced intense political and media pressure when attempting to pursue cases involving high-ranking officials. The situation is expected to worsen as judicial council elections approach later this month, alongside proposed amendments to judicial laws that critics say could further weaken independence.
Meanwhile, contradictory rulings and jurisdictional disputes between courts in Novi Sad and Belgrade have added to perceptions of chaos and institutional dysfunction within Serbia’s prosecution system.
Financial Investigation Still Ongoing
Despite the suspended proceedings, prosecutors confirmed that a financial investigation involving 14 individuals, including Vesić and former minister Tomislav Momirović, remains active. Authorities suspect that state budget damage exceeding $115 million occurred during the modernization of the Novi Sad–border railway project.
However, legal experts warn that if the Novi Sad court decision becomes final, criminal prosecution for the most serious charges will be permanently barred, regardless of future evidence.
Dangerous Legal Precedent
Analysts emphasize that the court overstepped its authority by assessing evidence and effectively ruling on guilt at a preliminary stage — a role reserved for a full trial. They argue that all responsible officials should face a public, adversarial judicial process, especially given the scale of the tragedy and public interest.
The ruling is increasingly viewed as part of a broader pattern, alongside controversial presidential pardons, that signals systemic state capture and selective accountability.
Public Trust at Stake
The Novi Sad tragedy has become a symbol of institutional failure, sparking some of the largest and longest protests Serbia has seen in years. Protesters continue to demand transparency, accountability, and judicial independence, warning that without justice, public trust in state institutions will continue to collapse.
