At least ten rallies in memory of the victims of the roof collapse at Novi Sad station were held this Friday, November 22. In the rain or in the snow, groups of a few hundred citizens managed to get their message across: justice must be done for the collapse of the roof of the Novi Sad station, which cost the lives of 15 people.
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With our correspondent in Belgrade, Laurent Rouy
The demonstrators who paid tribute to the 15 victims of the collapse of the roof of the Novi Sad station had an unprecedented influence. After these demonstrations, a minister and the director of railway infrastructure resigned.
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They were placed in preventive detention, along with nine other suspects. Additionally, three of the imprisoned anti-corruption activists were released on Friday evening. At least six others remain detained.
The citizens’ movement succeeded, in part, in forcing authoritarian President Aleksandar Vučić to bend and forcing the courts to arrest some of his allies. This is the second time, in 12 years of undivided power, that Aleksandar Vučić has given in to pressure from the streets. The first time following the protest against a lithium mine project three years ago.
Still, allies of the president have accused the demonstrators of brutality, in an attempt to discredit their movement. Opposition leaders are now calling for the prime minister to resign and say they want to continue the rallies.