BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — A remarkable display of solidarity emerged in Serbia where hundreds of taxi drivers came together to support university students protesting against corruption. Following a two-day walk and a night spent outdoors, the protesting students from Belgrade received a free taxi ride home on Sunday, organized spontaneously by around 500 cabbies.

The rallying action took place after the students blockaded bridges in the northern city of Novi Sad, as part of a growing anti-corruption movement in the Balkans. The protests were ignited by a tragic incident on November 1, when a concrete canopy collapsed at the central train station in Novi Sad, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of 15 people and severe injuries to two others. These incidents have evoked outrage among the public, with protesters demanding justice and accountability, attributing the tragedy to poor renovation work allegedly influenced by government corruption.

Sava Jovanovic, one of the organizers of the taxi operation, stated, "This was all spontaneous, about 20 or 30 of us launched this." He emphasized the connection between the taxi drivers and the students, saying, "They are our children, our students, we are going to bring them home." Support for the students has swelled, showcasing a wave of empathy within society.

Commenting on the action, Nikola Bogdanovic, another taxi driver, noted that the response among drivers was "exceptional." He mentioned that taxi drivers from central Serbia joined the effort, creating a significant column of vehicles. They honked their horns and waved Serbian flags as they traveled from Belgrade to Novi Sad, adorned with signs reading 'student taxis.' Upon their arrival, the drivers were met with enthusiastic cheers, passing under a large banner proclaiming, "Students will free the world."

Taxi driver Radoje Tosovic expressed a personal connection to the movement, saying, "I have grandchildren, my motive is a struggle for their better future." He further praised the students as "what is the best in our society," urging everyone to support their cause. The solidarity extended beyond transportation, with locals providing food and refreshments to the students during their walk, highlighting a collective sense of compassion and shared purpose among the community.

One Belgrade taxi driver, Dejan Jovic, shared his support for the students, mentioning that his daughter is among the demonstrators. "They walked for 80 kilometers (50 miles), we are going to bring them home," he said, reflecting on the hope and revival of community spirit that has emerged from the protests. He remarked, "Something very nice has been rekindled again, something we haven't seen in a long time."

The students’ determination and profound empathy have resonated with the public, igniting a movement that aims for justice and accountability in a country frequently plagued by corruption and crises. The protests signify a significant societal push against long-standing issues, characterized by student resilience and the support of ordinary citizens striving for a better future.