BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) – On Sunday, university students in Serbia marked the 100th day since the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at a train station in Novi Sad, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people. The striking students organized significant blockades within the Balkan nation, halting traffic at the Gazela Bridge—known as the Gazelle Bridge—over the Sava River in Belgrade. Additionally, key roads were blocked in Novi Sad and a toll station was obstructed at the entrance to Nis.
The students' actions are part of a broader campaign of anti-corruption protests. Many citizens have joined the student movement, emphasizing their calls for accountability regarding the Nov. 1 disaster, which critics attribute to government corruption. One poignant message seen at the protests read, "In 100 days, no one is accountable," underscoring public frustration with the lack of responsible parties named in the aftermath of the incident.
The protests have transformed into a nationwide uprising against the government of President Aleksandar Vucic, characterized by increasingly significant demonstrations. Vucic has claimed that the protesters are acting on behalf of foreign intelligence agencies and has labeled their actions as part of a "colored revolution" designed to remove him from power. This rising student-led movement has already led to the resignation of Vucic's ally and Prime Minister Milos Vucevic.
The canopy collapse has emerged as a powerful symbol in the citizens' pro-democracy struggle against Vucic's administration. In recent weeks, tens of thousands have participated regularly in protests, with demonstrators expressing their grief and frustration over the incident. During the blockade at Gazela Bridge, protesters held red banners listing the names of those who lost their lives and symbolically dropped 15 white roses painted red into the Sava River to represent "blood on the hands" of the ruling authorities.
Ivan Plecic, a protester, expressed optimism about the budding movement, stating, "There is hope... a new movement is awakening." There is a desire among participants to support the organizers fully as they seek to achieve their goals. In response to the ongoing protests, Vucic has initiated a propaganda effort to rally his supporters, touring various towns and villages to counter the momentum built by the demonstrators.
On a recent motorcade trip, Vucic reported an incident involving a blown tire which pro-government media portrayed as an assassination attempt linked to protestors, further deepening the ongoing conflict between the government and the protesters. Under Vucic's administration, which began over a decade ago, state institutions and mainstream media have faced increased restrictions, with dissent labeled as a conspiracy to undermine the nation.
In conjunction with the protests, a group of students organized a run from Kragujevac to Belgrade, where they plan to distribute invitations for a major rally on February 15—Serbia's national statehood holiday. Vucic, on the same day, is expected to hold his rally in Novi Sad. The protests highlight the pervasive discontent regarding graft and corruption in Serbia, with many citizens firmly believing that the canopy collapse was a direct result of mismanagement related to substantial infrastructure projects involving Chinese state companies.
