Serbian Students Lead Protests on New Year’s Eve, Demanding Justice for Novi Sad Tragedy

Tens of thousands of protesters, primarily led by university students, gathered overnight in Belgrade and other Serbian cities on New Year’s Eve to demand political reforms and justice. The protests were sparked by the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad’s central train station on Nov. 1, which killed 15 people. The incident has been blamed on corruption and substandard construction practices under the populist Serbian government, prompting widespread outrage.

The student-led movement, which organized under the slogan “There is No New Year — You Still Owe Us for the Old One,” saw protesters march through the streets chanting “We Want Justice.” At 11:52 p.m., the crowd observed a solemn silence for 15 minutes to honor the victims of the tragedy. Many protesters carried banners featuring a red handprint, symbolizing their belief that the government has blood on its hands.

The protests, which have grown to include various societal groups like professors, farmers, and actors, come amid broader dissatisfaction with President Aleksandar Vucic’s leadership. The protesters demand further accountability for the collapse, noting that recent indictments of 13 people, including a former minister, are insufficient. They also call for an investigation into potential corrupt deals tied to the renovation of the train station involving Chinese companies.

Despite freezing temperatures and fog, protesters continued to demonstrate, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to justice even during the festive season. Meanwhile, state-sponsored New Year’s Eve celebrations and concerts continued in Belgrade, where police guarded the events to prevent any clash with the protesters.