Serbia’s Student Uprising: Protesters Demand Justice Challenging Vucic’s Rule

Protesters from all over the country rallied in freezing weather, calling for those responsible for the tragedy in Novi Sad, where 15 died on November 1, to be held accountable. The disaster has intensified a general outrage over rampant government corruption and nepotism that many believe had a role in the collapse of the station.

The protests, the largest Serbia has seen in years, pose a serious challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic’s decade-long rule. Holding national flags, beating drums, and blowing whistles, students vowed to block a main boulevard in Kragujevac for 15 hours and 15 minutes in tribute to the victims. A solemn 15-minute silence was also observed.

We are here to struggle for a better tomorrow, against corruption,” declared Jovan, 20-year-old university student who had come all the way from Belgrade to attend the protest.

Support from the public for the movement has continued to be overwhelming, with Serbians generally supporting the calls of the students for justice. Verica, 52-year-old lecturer, who went along with her teenager daughter, appreciated their perseverance. “I have not been this happy and proud for many years,” she explained.

Though the government denies corruption, the increasing unrest indicates a worsening crisis for the government as calls for transparency and reform grow.