In a bold move to demand justice and accountability, thousands of students from across Serbia are preparing for a large-scale protest this Saturday in Novi Sad. The protest, marking three months since the deadly collapse of a station canopy that killed 15 people, will see students marching 80 kilometers from Belgrade, culminating in the blockade of all three bridges over the Danube River.
The protest follows a string of high-profile incidents, including recent attacks on students by individuals allegedly linked to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), and the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and Novi Sad Mayor Milan Đurić. While these resignations are seen as significant, students insist that they will not back down until the individuals responsible for the November tragedy are held accountable.
Petar Gardović, a student at the University of Belgrade, expressed confidence in the march’s success, citing a shared desire for accountability. “We are asking for something basic — that those who are responsible for harm must be held accountable,” Gardović told DW.
The protest is expected to draw not only students but also teachers, citizens, and even farmers, with tractors and motorcycles already converging on Novi Sad. Social media campaigns and public support have further fueled the movement, with figures across the political spectrum, including Montenegro’s Prime Minister, publicly backing the students.
Serbia’s political landscape remains in turmoil, and the call for free and fair elections is gaining traction. Opposition parties have made it clear they will not participate in elections until the state guarantees transparency, citing ongoing issues like vote-buying and pressure on civil servants.
The European Union has yet to take decisive action, despite Serbia’s candidacy for membership. Opposition leaders, including Radomir Lazović from the Green–Left Front, have urged the EU to change its stance and support the people of Serbia in their fight for justice.
With the streets of Novi Sad set to fill with protesters this weekend, Serbia’s political future hangs in the balance as students demand not just accountability but the foundation for a democratic and fair electoral system.
Student protest picture from stockcake
