In Serbia, a wave of anti-government protests has erupted, primarily led by students, following a tragic incident in November that resulted in the death of 15 people due to a canopy collapse at a railway station. The protests have intensified after a driver rammed into demonstrators, injuring a young woman, which has sparked outrage and further mobilized citizens against the government.
Key Takeaways
- Protests began after a canopy collapse in Novi Sad killed 15 people.
- A driver injured a protester during a recent demonstration, escalating tensions.
- Tennis star Novak Djokovic publicly condemned the violence against protesters.
- Teachers and other professionals are joining the protests in solidarity.
Background of the Protests
The protests in Serbia began on November 1, 2024, when a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad railway station collapsed, killing 15 individuals. This incident has been attributed to alleged corruption and negligence in construction practices, particularly involving Chinese state companies that were involved in the renovation of the station.
Since then, citizens have been demanding accountability and justice for the victims. The protests have taken the form of daily traffic blockades, where demonstrators stop traffic for 15 minutes at 11:52 AM, the exact time of the tragedy.
Recent Incidents
On January 16, 2025, a significant escalation occurred when a driver intentionally drove into a crowd of protesters in Belgrade, seriously injuring a young woman. This incident has drawn widespread condemnation and has intensified the protests, with students and citizens rallying in support of the injured protester.
Following the incident, spontaneous protests erupted in Belgrade, where students chanted slogans against the government and demanded justice. The European Union’s mission in Serbia expressed concern over the violence against peaceful demonstrators, emphasizing the importance of protecting the right to assembly.
Support from Public Figures
Notably, Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has voiced his support for the protesters. During a press conference at the Australian Open, Djokovic condemned the violence against demonstrators and expressed his solidarity with the youth of Serbia, stating, "I cannot pretend that nothing is happening. My support goes to the young people, students, and all those who own the future of our country."
Djokovic’s comments have resonated with many, as he is a national icon and his stance has brought further attention to the protests.
Broader Implications
The protests have not only been limited to students; teachers and other professionals have joined in solidarity. Many schools across Serbia have seen teachers strike in support of the student-led protests, demanding accountability for the canopy collapse and opposing government actions against demonstrators.
The protests reflect a growing dissatisfaction with the increasingly autocratic rule of President Aleksandar Vuฤiฤ, with many citizens calling for democratic reforms and an end to corruption.
Conclusion
As the protests continue, the situation in Serbia remains tense. The tragic canopy collapse has become a symbol of broader issues within the government, and the public’s demand for accountability and justice is growing louder. With support from various sectors of society, including prominent figures like Djokovic, the movement against the government is gaining momentum, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape of Serbia.
Sources
- Driver rams into anti-government protesters in Serbia, seriously injuring a young woman | AP News, AP News.
- Djokovic Condemns ‘Violence’ Against Protesters In Serbia | Barron’s, Barron’s.
- Students lead massive protests in Serbia against state broadcaster and president | Nation | kdhnews.com, The Killeen Daily Herald.
- Serbian Teachers Strike as Support for Student Protests Grows | Balkan Insight, Balkan Insight.
- Novak Djokovic Condemns ‘Violence’ Against Protesters In Serbia | Tennis News, NDTV Sports.
