BELGRADE (AFP) – Thousands of protesters ended a 24-hour blockade at a major traffic intersection in Belgrade yesterday as they seek to pressure the government over a fatal collapse of a train station roof in November.
There have been almost daily roadblocks and protests throughout the country since 15 people died in the northern city of Novi Sad on November 1 at a train station that had recently been renovated.
Protesters yesterday packed up and cleaned the area at the Autokomanda junction – which links several major roads and motorways in the Serbian capital – after many camped out overnight. The blockade came after student organisers called for a general strike on Friday that saw lawyers stop work, and the closure of small businesses and schools across Serbia.
Many in Serbia have blamed corruption and poor construction oversight for the tragedy.
More than a dozen people have been charged in connection with the accident, including former transport minister Goran Vesic, who resigned days after it occurred.
The government has released some documents on the roof collapse, but experts from the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Belgrade say they are incomplete.
Students have emerged as the leaders of the protest movement and have been blockading campuses across the country for months. With pressure mounting, President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the nation on Monday evening, defending his government’s response to the Novi Sad tragedy and vowing to open a dialogue with the protesters.
Student organisers continue to demand more action, including greater transparency into the investigation and the release of all documents linked to the renovation of the station.
Other key demands include dropping charges against protesters arrested at rallies, an end to attacks on demonstrators, and increased government spending on education.
