Following a tragic roof collapse at Novi Sad's railway station that resulted in 15 fatalities, prosecutors have initiated arrests of 11 individuals, including the former construction minister, as public protests grow demanding accountability and justice.
Outrage Follows Arrests in Serbia Railway Station Tragedy
Outrage Follows Arrests in Serbia Railway Station Tragedy
Arrests begin in response to public outcry after a deadly collapse at Novi Sad railway station, igniting protests against government corruption.
The recent collapse of part of the railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia, has sparked outrage and demands for accountability, leading to the first arrests in connection with this tragedy. Over the past three weeks, protesters have gathered in significant numbers, with estimates suggesting that as many as 20,000 people have taken to the streets, calling for justice and accountability amidst a backdrop of sorrow.
The catastrophic incident, which claimed 15 lives when a concrete and glass canopy fell on unsuspecting citizens at the newly renovated station, has led to significant political fallout. As part of the investigation, prosecutors have ordered the questioning of 11 individuals, including Serbia's former construction minister, Goran Vesic, who resigned shortly after the disaster. Vesic has denied responsibility for the tragedy, insisting that he cannot accept guilt for the deaths.
Demonstrators have been vocal in their criticism of the government's opaque procurement processes tied to infrastructure projects, highlighting a culture of corruption that allegedly prioritizes profit over public safety. The slogans of the protests, prominently featuring the phrase "corruption kills," reflect the anger felt by many citizens, who demand accountability from their leaders.
Serbia's President, Aleksandar Vucic, has publicly addressed the situation, stating that the deaths were not due to the victims' actions but rather the failings of those responsible for the station's safety. His government has been scrutinized, especially given that the Novi Sad railway station is a prominent part of a major infrastructure initiative connecting Belgrade and Budapest, which Vucic inaugurated just last year.
The criticisms directed at Vucic's Progressive Party reveal broader concerns about nepotism and impunity in Serbian politics, as opposition leaders assert the connection between the government's policies and public safety. With protests escalating amid calls for substantial reforms, including the resignations of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and current mayor Milan Djuric, the government's ability to address the public's demands for swift justice and restructuring remains crucial.
As the judicial process unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the steps taken by authorities will suffice to quell public ire, or whether they will intensify demands for greater accountability within Serbia's political landscape.
