On Saturday, protesters from across Serbia descended upon Belgrade, rallying against the government's handling of the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy in November. This event has sparked months of public outrage, with demonstrations occurring in various locations throughout the Serbian capital. Farmers, bikers, military veterans, and numerous other groups joined forces, causing significant congestion on approach routes to key areas.
In a report from the scene, DW correspondent Sanja Klajic noted a substantial gathering outside the parliament, alongside processions led by bikers and tractor drivers. The scale of the protests reflects a growing discontent among Serbians, particularly in light of the recent tragedy.
The exact number of participants remains uncertain. The Serbian Interior Ministry estimated around 107,000 protesters, while independent media sources suggested a far greater turnout, potentially marking this as the largest protest since the fall of autocrat Slobodan Milosevic in 2000. Serbian NGO Arhiv javnih skupova, known for its expertise in counting protest attendees, provided a much higher estimate, claiming between 275,000 and 325,000 individuals participated. They noted that this could be the biggest rally in Belgrade's history, sharing videos that captured the immense crowds.
During the protests, a loud, unexplained noise startled the crowd while they held a 15-minute silence to honor the 15 victims of the Novi Sad tragedy. This unsettling sound, described as resembling an incoming projectile, caused some protesters to flee the area. Independent news outlet N1 reported that military analyst Aleksandar Radic suggested the noise was produced by an acoustic weapon, commonly referred to as a sonic cannon, which he claimed is part of the Serbian security services' arsenal. An opposition lawmaker echoed this assertion. Radic criticized the act as a display of force and arrogance directed at the populace. However, police officials denied using any sonic weaponry, stating such actions would contradict the law.
The protests on Saturday represent the peak of a prolonged movement led by Serbian students, who are demanding accountability for the 15 deaths caused by the falling rubble at the Novi Sad railway station. This station had undergone renovations under questionable circumstances, involving Chinese companies and businesses allegedly linked to the ruling Progressive Party (SNS). Initially, Serbian officials claimed that no work had been done on the canopy, but they later acknowledged that this part of the building had been altered during reconstruction. Protesters accuse the government of withholding critical documents related to the renovation.
Beyond the immediate tragedy, the protest movement encapsulates broader grievances against President Aleksandar Vucic and his administration, including allegations of widespread corruption, nepotism, mismanagement of natural resources, voter fraud, media control, and inadequate responses to previous incidents involving government officials. In response to the mounting pressure, both Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and Novi Sad Mayor Milan Djuric have resigned.
In a press conference following the protests, President Vucic reported that 56 individuals were injured and 22 were detained on suspicions of vandalism and assault, though he emphasized that no life-threatening injuries were reported. He characterized the protests as filled with "negative energy, anger, and rage" directed at the authorities, but stated that law enforcement did not resort to violence. His tone appeared more conciliatory compared to previous statements, where he warned of potential violence and claimed that Western intelligence services were instigating the unrest.
Vucic underscored his commitment to maintaining order, stating, "I won’t allow the street to set the rules," and warned that officials would arrest any troublemakers. Despite police blocking major transport routes leading into Belgrade, the protests concluded without significant clashes between demonstrators and suspected government-affiliated masked individuals.
As Serbia grapples with the fallout from the Novi Sad tragedy, the ongoing protests signify a critical moment in the nation’s political landscape. With widespread calls for accountability and reform, the future of President Vucic's administration hangs in the balance as public sentiment continues to shift against the government.
