Tens of thousands of people gathered in Nis, Serbia, on Saturday to commemorate victims of a railway station disaster and participate in a student-led protest challenging the Serbian president's authority. The movement has gained traction since the roof collapse incident in Novi Sad four months ago.
The populace attributes the disaster to corruption associated with President Aleksandar Vucic's long-standing tenure. Various groups, including teachers, farmers, and other professionals, have united in the demonstrations, which originated with a student class boycott in December.
At 11:52 a.m., the moment of the roof collapse on November 1, a multitude stood solemnly in downtown Nis to honor the victims. Among the participants was Tarek, a 22-year-old graphic designer from Novi Pazar, who expressed, "This is the way to make a revolution" and stressed the necessity for reform and a corruption-free state.
Students, accompanied by approximately 1,500 motorcyclists, converged on Nis for the protest, including Anja and Ana, two 20-year-old students who marched from the town of Bor, 130 km (80 miles) away. Anja remarked on their proactive stance, stating, "This is not the society we would like to live in. We want a better future."
The ongoing demonstrations have drawn attention from Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and other officials, with 13 individuals facing prosecution in connection with the railway station incident. Nonetheless, the students persist in their daily protests, demanding transparency regarding the collapse, accountability for those responsible, exoneration of the protesting students, and increased funding for higher education.
In an effort to garner support, President Vucic engaged with farmers and citizens in eastern Serbia, refuting claims of a "colour revolution." Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin raised concerns about potential upheavals akin to those seen in former Soviet states.