Serbian Students Block Traffic In Protest Against Government Corruption

Students march during a student-led 24 hour block on an intersection to protest the deaths of 15 people killed in the November collapse of a train station canopy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Monday, Jan. 27,

Serbia's university students have initiated a 24-hour blockade of a crucial traffic intersection in Belgrade, intensifying their protest against the government following a tragic canopy collapse in November that claimed the lives of 15 individuals. The students have been joined by Serbian farmers on tractors and numerous citizens in demanding accountability for the deadly incident in Novi Sad, attributing it to widespread government corruption.

The ongoing campaign of street protests represents a significant challenge to the populist authorities in Serbia. President Aleksandar Vucic, along with Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic, called for dialogue with the students to de-escalate tensions and foster communication.

Despite facing accusations of undermining democratic freedoms, Vucic has expressed the need for a peaceful resolution, emphasizing the negative impact of the crisis on the economy. The president has also alleged that the students are collaborating with foreign entities to destabilize the government.

Recent demonstrations have been marred by violent incidents, including vehicles driving into crowds and causing injuries. To prevent further clashes, traffic police have been deployed to safeguard the student blockade at the intersection, a vital route for city commuters and the main north-south motorway.

Protesters demand accountability for government corruption and tragic incident.

Students block traffic intersection in Belgrade over Novi Sad tragedy.

President Vucic calls for dialogue with students to ease tensions.

Accusations of undermining democratic freedoms and collaboration with foreign entities.

Violent incidents mar recent demonstrations, prompting deployment of traffic police.

Students engage in peaceful protest activities at the blockade site.

Prosecutors press charges against government officials in connection with the tragedy.

Concerns raised over impartiality of investigation following release of former minister.

At the protest site, students have set up tents and engaged in various activities such as playing volleyball, sitting on blankets, and observing a daily 15-minute moment of silence at 11:52, the exact time of the Novi Sad tragedy. Many Serbians attribute the canopy collapse to shoddy reconstruction work resulting from corrupt practices.

Prosecutors in Serbia have pressed charges against 13 individuals, including a government minister and several state officials, in connection with the incident. However, the release of former construction minister Goran Vesic from detention has raised concerns about the impartiality of the investigation.

The renovation of the main railway station in Novi Sad, undertaken twice in recent years as part of an infrastructure agreement with Chinese state firms, has come under scrutiny in light of the tragic events that unfolded on November 1.