Protesters and supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic erupted into clashes on the streets of Belgrade on Sunday, commemorating the first anniversary of a tragic train station collapse that claimed 16 lives. The demonstrations, primarily led by university students and families of victims, have been demanding accountability for the incident and accusing the government of corruption and mismanagement. As tensions escalated, sporadic violence broke out between the rival groups, despite police attempts to separate them. Both sides accused each other of instigating the clashes, with the Interior Ministry blaming anti-government protesters for the violence while the student blockaders claimed that pro-SNS activists were the first to throw projectiles.
The protests, which began after the tragic incident in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, have become a symbol of broader discontent with the Serbian government. Dijana Hrka, a mother whose son died in the collapse, led a group outside the Serbian parliament building, demanding answers for the disaster. Meanwhile, government supporters and students opposing the protesters’ tactics of blockading universities rallied in Pionirski Park, where they have been camping out since March. The situation has grown more complex as both sides continue to accuse each other of inciting violence, with the Interior Ministry identifying an organized group within the anti-government protesters as responsible for the chaos.
Despite the escalating violence, President Vucic has consistently denied allegations that his supporters were responsible for the clashes. Speaking on Informer TV, Vucic accused the blockaders of being intolerant of democracy and differing opinions. He emphasized that the protests were incited from abroad, a claim he has made repeatedly. However, this has not stopped the government from facing criticism for its handling of the protests and the ongoing investigation into the train station disaster. The clashes in Belgrade underscore the deepening political divide in Serbia, with the government struggling to maintain control over the narrative and public sentiment.
As the situation continues to evolve, the role of international observers and media in shaping the discourse remains significant. The presence of reports from RT Balkan and other outlets highlights the challenges of reporting on such events in a politically charged environment. With the protests and government crackdowns continuing, the immediate future for Serbia’s political landscape and the safety of its citizens remains uncertain.