On Saturday, thousands gathered in the southern city of Nis, standing in silence for 15 minutes to honor the victims of a tragic railway station disaster. The protest, led by students, has grown into one of the largest demonstrations challenging President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration. The incident, which occurred four months ago. Left 15 people dead when a roof collapsed at a newly-renovated train station in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city. This event marked a significant Serbia silent protest against governmental negligence.
The Role of Corruption in the Outrage
Since the tragedy, public outrage has been fueled by the belief that corruption. Tied to President Vucic’s decade-long rule, played a major role in the collapse. As the protests continue to grow, a diverse range of participants have joined in. Teachers, farmers, and workers from various sectors have added their voices to the call for change. The movement began in December when students at state universities held class blockades to demand accountability and reform. The issue of corruption remains central to the Serbia silent protest.
Student Voices Driving Change
Among the protesters was Ana, a 20-year-old medical student who traveled from Kragujevac to Nis to join the rally. “We want a better country, free of corruption, where educated people are respected,” she said. Hundreds of students, some running, cycling, or marching, have traveled across towns to gather support. Their journey has resonated particularly with people living outside urban centers, who share the same frustrations, thereby strengthening the Serbia silent protest movement.
“This is the way to make a revolution,” explained Tarek, a 22-year-old graphics designer from Novi Pazar. “It’s the right path to change. We want a better future, a functional state without corruption.”
Government Response to the Protests
In response to the growing unrest, Vucic’s government has announced plans for an anti-corruption campaign, though they have denied the corruption allegations. Following the protests in Belgrade and towns across the country, Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, along with two other ministers, resigned in an attempt to quell the protests. Despite this, student demonstrations continue daily, with demands for full transparency regarding the roof collapse and justice for those responsible. This ongoing Serbia silent protest underscores the public’s demand for clarity and justice.
Thirteen individuals have been charged in connection with the incident, but students remain firm in their demands. They are calling for authorities to release documents related to the collapse, justice for the victims, and the dismissal of charges against protesting students. Furthermore, they are pushing for an increased budget for higher education.
Support from Rural Communities
The protest movement has also received support from rural areas. Nenad Maslakovic, a 51-year-old farmer from a village near Nis, and his son Avram, set up a stand offering food and drinks to the protesters. “Students are unspoiled souls,” Maslakovic said. “We want to welcome and support them in their fight for a better future.”
As the protests continue, the momentum against the government’s policies and the corruption it represents shows no signs of slowing down. The Serbia silent protest in Nis serves as a poignant reminder of the growing demand for justice and change in the country.
