Thousands of people blocked the Serbian capital and started 2025 with 15 minutes of silence. The demonstration in Belgrade was part of two months of anti-government protests in response to the tragedy in Novi Sad.
The blockade of the streets between the seat of the Serbian Parliament and Student Square was organized by students who have been occupying over 50 university faculties across the country for a month.
During the silent protest that began in the last minutes of 2024 and ended in early 2025, the authorities Serbia was accused of corruption and responsibility for a tragic accident in Novi Sad at the beginning of November Part of the railway station roof collapsed and 15 people died. Demonstrators illuminated the blocked-off center of Belgrade with their phones. A few hundred meters away, official New Year's celebrations were taking place, including concerts and a fireworks show.
The station was opened a few months before the tragedy
After the tragedy at the Novi Sad station, protests have been organized for almost two months. Their participants hold the Serbian authorities responsible for this tragedy.
The Novi Sad railway station was officially opened in July after a three-year reconstruction. The Chinese consortium CRIC&CCCC (China Railway International Co.Ltd and China Communications Construction Company Ltd) was responsible for the renovation.
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/ANDREJ CUKIC