Serbian Students March For Justice And Accountability

Students walk on the road towards the northern city of Novi Sad, where they will participate in a 24 hour block of three bridges to protest the deaths of 15 people killed in the November collapse of a

In a show of solidarity and determination, hundreds of Serbian university students embarked on an 80-kilometer march from Belgrade to Novi Sad to protest a deadly overhang collapse that claimed 15 lives in November. The collapse, which occurred at the railway station in Novi Sad, has sparked a wave of demonstrations against suspected corruption in construction contracts.

The students, who have been camping at their faculties for the past two months, organized daily protests that have drawn tens of thousands of people, marking the largest street gatherings in years in Serbia. The march to Novi Sad is a symbolic gesture of support for their colleagues and a demonstration of their unwavering commitment to seeing their demands met.

The protests have already led to the resignation of Serbia's prime minister and prompted various concessions from the authorities. The students are demanding justice, freedom of thought, and accountability for the overhang collapse, which many believe was caused by government corruption in a large infrastructure project involving Chinese state companies.

Despite facing attacks from pro-government thugs and veiled threats from President Aleksandar Vucic, the students remain resolute in their quest for justice. Their demands include the publication of full documentation related to the train station reconstruction project, punishment for the attackers, and withdrawal of legal procedures against protesters.

Protests sparked by suspected corruption in construction contracts.

Students march 80km from Belgrade to Novi Sad protesting overhang collapse.

Students demand justice, freedom of thought, and accountability.

Movement led to prime minister's resignation and concessions from authorities.

Demand for publication of reconstruction project documentation and punishment for attackers.

Students face threats but remain resolute in seeking justice.

Movement gains support from various sectors of society.

Organized through collective decision-making with no designated leaders.

Creative protests inspire solidarity and donations.

Reflects growing discontent with authoritarian rule in Serbia.

The student-led movement has garnered widespread support from all sectors of society, including doctors, lawyers, engineers, professors, and farmers. The students' empathy for the victims, resilience, and readiness to sacrifice for justice have resonated with a nation grappling with discontent over Vucic's authoritarian rule.

With no designated leaders, the students have organized themselves through plenary sessions where decisions are made collectively. Their well-coordinated and creative protests have inspired solidarity among the people, with donations pouring in to support their cause.

The students' strength and determination have taken many by surprise in a country where a significant number of young people have emigrated in search of better opportunities. Their unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and holding those in power accountable reflects a growing sentiment of discontent with the status quo in Serbia.