Tens of thousands gathered at Belgrade’s Slavija Square for one of Serbia’s largest rallies in recent years, protesting against President Aleksandar Vucic and his government. The protest, led by students and farmer unions, was part of a movement demanding accountability for the November 1 railway station canopy collapse in Novi Sad, which killed 15 people. Many blame the tragedy on widespread corruption and substandard work tied to questionable projects with Chinese state companies. Smaller protests took place in Nis and Kragujevac, with a 15-minute silence for the victims followed by chants accusing the government of responsibility. Weeks of student-led protests have highlighted discontent with Vucic’s rule, with accusations of curbing democratic freedoms and election rigging. Farmers and students have received broad support, while occasional violence has erupted during disruptions by pro-government groups. Support has been shown from BiH as well, with a student protest organized by hundreds of students in Sarajevo. BCSDN member Civic Initiatives offers the ŠTIT Activist Card, providing legal and emergency support to activists facing threats, intimidation, or other pressures due to their civic engagement. Read more here.
Source: AP News/ Civic Initiatives/ Oslobodjenje