Thousands block key motorway in Serbia after tragic train station crash kills 15

In Belgrade, Serbia, thousands of university students have been protesting for weeks, demanding accountability for a fatal concrete canopy collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad that resulted in 15 fatalities in November. The disaster, which many attribute to corruption and poor reconstruction practices involving Chinese companies, has sparked significant civil unrest as students accuse the government of undermining democratic freedoms and exercising oppressive measures against them. Their protests aim to draw attention to violations of civil rights attributed to the populist authorities. The situation escalated after reports of personal data being released by pro-government media, which prompted fears of state security involvement in the intimidation of protesters. On January 12, students organized a silent rally outside the Constitutional Court in Belgrade to honor the victims of the canopy collapse, illustrating their deepening resolve against governmental pressure. Classes at universities in Serbia have been suspended for an extended period as students camp inside their faculties, determined to sustain their protests until their demands are met. During these protests, they have articulated their concerns about increased oppression from the Serbian state security, with allegations escalating to accusations that students were receiving funding from Western entities for their activism. This has fueled ongoing debates regarding the state of democracy in Serbia under President Aleksandar Vucic's regime. President Vucic, who has been in power for over a decade, has been accused of consolidating power and stifling freedoms rather than moving toward European Union membership, which he claims to support. His administration faces widespread criticism, particularly following accusations of corruption linked to infrastructure projects, including the controversial renovation of the Novi Sad railway station. Furthermore, the students have raised concerns about the investigation into the canopy collapse being compromised by political influences. Although some individuals have been charged, including a government minister, doubts remain about the probe's integrity. The protests have taken a multifaceted form, including traffic blockades, rallies, and silent vigils at specific times to commemorate the victims. The repeated confrontations between the protesters and the government have marked a significant moment for civil society in Serbia, reflecting a growing discontent with the current regime's actions. As these events unfold, the campus unrest signals a pivotal challenge to Vucic's rule and raises important questions about the future of democratic governance in Serbia.