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Serbian Students March in Belgrade to Demand Accountability and Snap Elections

The demonstration follows a year of protests sparked by a fatal station collapse alongside an assault on drama students.

People attend a student-led march marking one year since a physically attack by an organised group of people on a commemoration protest over a train station tragedy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
People attend a student-led march marking one year since a physically attack by an organised group of people on a commemoration protest over a train station tragedy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
People attend a student-led march marking one year since a physically attack by an organised group of people on a commemoration protest over a train station tragedy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
People attend a student-led march marking one year since a physically attack by an organised group of people on a commemoration protest over a train station tragedy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Overview

  • Several thousand people rallied peacefully in Belgrade on the anniversary of last year’s attack on drama students by pro-government supporters.
  • Marchers carried oversized dummy heads, stopped at the main court to demand judicial responsibility, passed a pro-Vucic tent camp, and finished at the RTS broadcaster accused of pro-government bias.
  • Protesters called for full criminal accountability for the Novi Sad railway station collapse that killed 16 and for all identified assailants in the student attack, with a probe into who organized it.
  • Four attackers have been sentenced through plea bargains, which students say falls short of assigning responsibility to all involved.
  • Demonstrators also pressed for early elections; authorities have refused snap polls and previously used tear gas, stun grenades, and detentions that rights groups criticized as excessive while officials alleged attacks on ruling-party offices.