Demonstrations against excessive force by the government and law enforcement in Serbia
In the heart of Serbia, the city of Novi Sad has become a focal point for nationwide protests that have been ongoing for over ten months. The recent escalation came after a violent clash between police and peaceful protesters, which left many shocked and outraged.
The protests were sparked by a tragic incident on November 1, 2024, when a recently renovated train station canopy in Novi Sad collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 16 people. The incident has fueled the anger of the protesters, who are accusing President Aleksandar Vucic of corruption and autocracy.
The anger is particularly directed at the police's recent violent intervention in Novi Sad. On a chilly November day, police used tear gas, stun grenades, and batons against peaceful protesters gathered at the local Philosophy Faculty. The pro-government dean of the faculty, who forced students to leave the building they had occupied for nine months, has been a subject of controversy. While the dean's name is not explicitly mentioned in the available sources, tensions with pro-government authorities and violent police interventions against protesting students at the Faculty in Novi Sad have been reported.
The protests in Novi Sad did not go unnoticed. Thousands of people demonstrated in Belgrade, Serbia's capital, voicing their discontent with the government's actions in Novi Sad. The demonstrations were reported by the independent TV station N1.
The protesters gathered in front of the government building, the courthouse, and several facilities of the Ministry of Interior. Independent experts and opposition figures blame shoddy workmanship and corruption under the Vucic government for the disaster. They argue that the collapse could have been prevented had it not been for the government's disregard for safety and transparency.
The government, however, stated that protesters had attacked police officers in Novi Sad. This assertion has been met with scepticism by many, who see it as an attempt to deflect blame from the government.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. One thing is certain: the people of Serbia are demanding change, and they are not backing down.
