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Serbia Marks Novi Sad Station Collapse Anniversary With Mass, Peaceful Vigil

A year on, EU-backed graft findings plus stalled prosecutions keep pressure on a government offering apology and mourning.

Overview

  • Tens of thousands gathered in Novi Sad for 16 minutes of silence at 11:52 a.m., with officials reporting about 39,000 attendees and no incidents at the memorial.
  • Crowds arrived by car, bus, bike, and on foot after multi‑day marches, while train services from Belgrade were suspended over a reported bomb scare that critics said hindered travel.
  • President Aleksandar Vucic issued a rare televised apology and declared a national day of mourning, attended a church service in Belgrade, and called for dialogue as student leaders renewed demands for early elections.
  • Prosecutors have charged roughly 13 people, including former construction minister Goran Vesić, with some indictments confirmed according to officials, yet other filings still await court approval and trials have not begun.
  • An independent commission reporting to the European Parliament alleged high‑level state graft in the station project, drawing EU calls for restraint and transparency as analysts note attempts by far‑right groups to influence parts of the movement.