University students in Serbia have taken to the streets in significant numbers recently, organizing near-daily protests that have gained momentum since a tragic incident last November. A concrete canopy collapsed at a railway station in Novi Sad, claiming the lives of 16 individuals, a disaster that has sparked outrage and demands for accountability.
Protests target state broadcaster
As part of their ongoing demonstrations, hundreds of student activists converged on the entrance of Serbia’s state broadcaster in Belgrade. Their primary grievance is the perceived bias in the station’s reporting, which they argue favors President Aleksandar Vučić’s government. This sentiment was echoed in another protest in Novi Sad, the country’s second-largest city, where students similarly expressed discontent with the media’s portrayal of current events.
Allegations of corruption and negligence
Many citizens believe that the tragic collapse of the canopy was a direct result of shoddy renovation work, which they attribute to widespread government corruption. The students’ protests are not merely about media bias but also reflect a broader demand for justice and transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident. The students have united their voices, seeking to hold the government accountable for what they perceive as negligence that led to this avoidable loss of life.
“We cannot stay silent while our media supports a government that fails to protect its citizens,” said one student protester.
The ongoing unrest demonstrates a growing discontent among Serbia’s youth, who are increasingly vocal about their demands for systemic change and a more responsible media landscape. As these protests continue, they highlight not only the students’ determination but also the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and accountability in governance.