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Serbia’s Protests Reignite After Novi Sad Memorial as Victim’s Mother Begins Hunger Strike

European scrutiny plus economic strain is sharpening the political fallout for President Aleksandar Vučić.

Overview

  • One year after the station canopy collapse that killed 16 people, a large memorial in Novi Sad has triggered renewed nationwide mobilization.
  • Students organized multi-day star marches and unveiled a prominent banner at Petrovaradin Fortress, pledging to continue until justice is delivered.
  • President Aleksandar Vučić expressed regret for earlier remarks about demonstrators and said he was ready for dialogue, a move protest leaders rejected as too late.
  • Dijana Hrka, the mother of a victim, launched a hunger strike outside parliament in Belgrade, with supporters announcing a star-walk to the capital.
  • Pressure on the government is mounting with an October European Parliament resolution criticizing repression, a possible negative European Commission progress report this week, and economic strains from US sanctions on NIS, falling foreign investment and high inflation.