Tens of Thousands Protest Serbia Roof Collapse Anniversary Citing Government Corruption

One year after the deadly roof collapse at the Novi Sad railway station that killed 16 people, tens of thousands of protesters across Serbia, including in Novi Sad and Belgrade, continue to demand justice and accountability from President Aleksandar Vucic's government. The protesters accuse the government of corruption, negligence, and systemic failures that led to the tragedy, with many observing 16 minutes of silence in memory of the victims. Dijana Hrka, who lost her son in the accident, has begun a hunger strike outside the Serbian parliament to press for justice. Pro-government supporters have clashed with anti-government protesters, with tensions heightened by the presence of riot police and government-installed speakers. The protests have shaken Vucic’s grip on power, intensifying calls for early elections, while authorities deny wrongdoing despite public outrage. Additionally, Hungarian students attempting to attend the memorial were detained and humiliated at the Serbian border, sparking further controversy and a silent vigil in Budapest.