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Serbia student protests demand justice and political change

24 0
16.02.2025

In November 2024, a tragedy struck the Serbian city of Novi Sad, leading to one of the most significant political movements in the country in recent years. The roof of a newly renovated railway station collapsed, killing 15 people. While the government initially downplayed the incident, suggesting that it was a result of unforeseen structural issues, the tragedy has sparked a national movement. The protesters, primarily students, believe the collapse was the result of government corruption and nepotism that led to the use of substandard construction materials and poor oversight. Although the government denies the allegations, the incident became the catalyst for a massive outcry and widespread protests across Serbia.

At the heart of this movement is Marija Petrovic, a molecular biology student at the University of Belgrade. Petrovic, like many others, was driven to join the protests after the accident. The emotional toll of the tragedy resonated deeply within her, as she and her peers believed that the government’s negligence had cost innocent lives. Initially, the protests seemed like a small, isolated event, with only a few students and concerned citizens demanding justice. However, within three months, the protests had grown exponentially, gaining the support of teachers, lawyers, and workers across the country. What began as a student-led demonstration against corruption quickly escalated into one of the largest protest movements Serbia had seen in years, transcending its initial focus and evolving into a call for political reform and accountability.

The students have made their message clear: they want an end to the corrupt practices that have taken root within the government and the ruling political elite. Their demands include the publication of documents related to the station roof collapse, justice for those responsible, the dismissal of charges against protesting students, and increased funding for........

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