Protests Erupt in Novi Sad After Canopy Collapse

Protests erupted in Novi Sad, Serbia, following the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at the railway station that killed 14 people and injured three others. Thousands of demonstrators surrounded City Hall, demanding accountability and the resignation of government officials, including Prime Minister Milos Vucevic. While many protests remained peaceful, some protesters resorted to violence, breaking windows and throwing stones, prompting police to respond with tear gas and pepper spray. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic condemned the violence and promised punishment for those responsible for the unrest, while opposition leaders claimed the violence was incited by provocateurs associated with the government. The protests reflected widespread public discontent with government corruption and negligence, echoing sentiments from previous mass protests in Serbia. Calls for justice included demands for transparency regarding contracts related to the station's renovation, which was performed by a Chinese consortium.