Serbian Students Lead Nationwide Protests After Deadly Canopy Collapse

Demonstrations target government corruption and authoritarianism following a train station tragedy that killed 15 people.

The collapse of a concrete canopy at a Novi Sad train station on November 1 killed 15 people, sparking outrage over alleged corruption and poor oversight in renovation projects involving Chinese state companies.
Student-led protests have grown to include high school students, teachers, and various professionals, with widespread support across Serbia for demands of accountability and systemic reform.
Prosecutors have arrested 13 individuals, including a government minister, but his release has fueled public skepticism about the investigation’s integrity.
The Serbian government has closed schools early for winter holidays, a move seen as an attempt to suppress growing demonstrations, which have also halted university classes for weeks.
President Aleksandar Vucic faces mounting criticism for his increasingly autocratic rule, with protesters demanding resignations of top officials and prosecution of those responsible for the tragedy.