Thousands in Nis mourned the railway station disaster, standing silently for fifteen minutes. Students led this growing movement against corruption. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Thousands in Nis mourned the railway station disaster, standing silently for fifteen minutes. Students led this growing movement against corruption.
Protesters attend a demonstration in Nis, during a national rally organised by students over corruption after collapse of the Novi Sad train station [Andrej Isakovic/AFP]
Massive crowds swelled across Serbia after a tragic roof collapse killed fifteen people. The incident struck in November at Novi Sad’s renovated train station.

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On Saturday, hundreds of students marched, biked, and ran from towns to Nis. Supporters cheered them on, boosting momentum beyond Serbia’s bustling urban centers.

From dawn, residents lined Nis streets with stalls, offering food and drinks freely. Protesters waved flags, held anti-corruption banners, and sounded whistles and vuvuzelas loudly.

At 11:52 local time, crowds gathered in Nis’s central square for a tribute. They stood silently for fifteen minutes, marking the moment tragedy struck.

Then, music blasted through loudspeakers, with chants like “Serbia has risen” echoing. “Pump it” became a rallying cry, symbolizing students’ unwavering resolve to continue.

“This sparks a revolution,” said Tarek, a 22-year-old designer from Novi Pazar. He told Reuters it’s the path to a corruption-free, functional future state.

Railway Station Disaster Fuels Nationwide Outrage

Many Serbians tie the railway station disaster to corruption under President Vucic’s rule. Teachers, farmers, and workers joined students, amplifying protests since December began.

Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and two ministers resigned amid pressure from demonstrators. Protests erupted not only in Belgrade but also in towns nationwide.

So far, prosecutors charged thirteen individuals linked to the deadly roof collapse. “I hope for justice,” Emilija Jovanovic, a 21-year-old student, told AFP.

“We demand change,” added Aleksandar Arandjelovic, a 34-year-old lawyer from Nis. Citizens voiced frustration, targeting Vucic’s decade-long grip on power as the cause.

President Vucic alternated between offering talks and accusing foreign powers of interference. “Money fuels a color revolution,” he claimed Friday in Knjazevac to supporters.

Government Responds to Railway Station Disaster Protests

To calm unrest, the government met some student demands with swift action. They released renovation documents, pardoned arrested protesters, and increased education funding.

Yet, students vowed to keep marching daily, leading the charge for reform. They seek dropped charges for peers and a larger budget for universities.

Crowds grew as citizens united against corruption, blaming Vucic’s administration for negligence. The movement gained traction, threatening his hold on Serbia’s political landscape.

Demonstrators streamed through Nis, their resolve unshaken by government concessions so far. Chants and banners filled the air, signaling a broader call for accountability.

Tarek’s words rang true for many: revolution brews in Serbia’s streets today. Students spearhead this fight, aiming to reshape their nation’s future with every step.

Source: www.aljazeera.com

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