Serbia youth lead thousands on march for weekend rally marking deadly canopy collapse last year - WTOP News

Thousands of mostly young people in Serbia have started a two-day march from Belgrade, heading toward Novi Sad to take part in a large rally this weekend. The gathering will mark the anniversary of a tragic accident that happened last year when the concrete canopy at Novi Sad's central train station collapsed, killing 16 people on November 1. This disaster sparked a youth-driven protest movement demanding justice and accountability from the government. Many protesters blame government corruption for poor renovation work that led to the collapse. The march is led by university students waving flags, moving along a 90-kilometer (58-mile) route toward the northern city. Over the past two weeks, various groups of students across Serbia have been walking to join the main event in Novi Sad. As the marchers passed through Belgrade, locals came outside their homes to cheer them on—honking car horns, waving, and even shedding tears. For many young participants, this movement represents hope for change in a political climate they view as oppressive. Among those marching is Mihajlo Jovanovic, a sports academy student, who expressed frustration over the lack of progress since the tragedy. He said, "nothing's changed, and we're going there hoping that maybe now, things will finally change." Another participant, Ana Marija Seslija, a veterinary student, added that their walk symbolizes ongoing resistance and commitment to the cause. Authorities have responded harshly to the protests in recent months, detaining dozens of students and activists. Police have faced accusations of brutality, including beatings and arbitrary arrests. Although 13 people have been formally charged in connection with the disaster, no trial date has been set. Many remain skeptical that the legal process will uncover the full extent of alleged high-level corruption responsible for the fatal negligence during the station's renovation. President Aleksandar Vucic has dismissed the student protesters as Western-backed "terrorists" without providing evidence, while his ruling Serbian Progressive Party has organized counter-demonstrations. This has heightened political tensions in the country. Serbia's ambitions to join the European Union are currently stalled, partly because of Vucic's close ties with Russia and China, and concerns about democratic freedoms being restricted under his rule.