Students from universities in Belgrade and Novi Sad occupied the buildings of their universities. Protesters are demanding disclosure of the contract for the renovation of the station in Novi Sad, where 15 people died when the roof collapsed in early November. They also want the release of activists detained during protests and an increase in state spending on education.
Some students of the University of Belgrade blocked the buildings of the rectorate and three faculties on Monday. The protest began symbolically at 11.52, when on November 1, part of the roof of the railway station in Novi Sad collapsed, killing 15 people.
An hour later, students of the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad began a blockade of their university. Teachers and faculty colleagues supported the protest and announced the suspension of all classes.
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On Monday night – as reported by Serbian media – the blockade was still ongoing, and its participants assured that they would not give up until their demands were met.
Protests in SerbiaANDREJ CUKIC/PAP/EPA
They want the contract for the renovation of the station to be disclosed
The students are demanding the publication of documentation related to the reconstruction of the station, charges against those who attacked protesting students in Belgrade at the end of November, the release of imprisoned activists and a 20 percent increase in funding for state universities. The argument refers to attacks on students during demonstrations related to the tragedy in Novi Sad.
Last Friday, students announcing the same demands blocked the University of Belgrade's rectorate building for 12 hours. The current blockade is to last until all demands are met, N1 television reported.
Disaster in Novi Sad
November 1 in Novi Sad in the north Serbia Part of the railway station roof collapsed. 15 people were killed and dozens were injured.
Services at the scene of a roof collapseMARKO KAROVIC/EPA/PAP
Many people were sitting on the benches below when the front part of the roof collapsed. Witnesses said that at the time of the accident, students returning home from nearby towns were staying under the roof.
Immediately after the tragedy, the opposition at the local and central level in Serbia called for an urgent investigation and a thorough examination of the reconstruction works. These groups accused the authorities in the city and state of negligence that led to the accident. As a result of the tragedy, Serbia's Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Goran Vesić, resigned.
Serbia. Protest in Belgrade after the tragedy in Novi SadEPA/ANDREJ CUKIC
The Novi Sad railway station officially opened in July after a three-year reconstruction. The Chinese consortium CRIC&CCCC was responsible for the renovation. The prosecutor's office is investigating the cause of the collapse of part of the station roof.
Main photo source: EPA/ANDREJ CUKIC