Unrest in Serbia: Protests and Violence in Novi Sad and Belgrade
Multiple individuals hurt in Serbia, counting over 60
In recent months, Serbia has been grappling with a wave of protests and violence, particularly in Novi Sad and Belgrade. The unrest was sparked by a tragic incident at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1, 2024, when a newly renovated canopy collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 16 people.
Timeline of Events
The timeline of events since the Novi Sad tragedy is as follows:
- November 1, 2024: A tragic incident at the Novi Sad railway station leaves 16 people dead, sparking widespread protests across Serbia [3][4].
- December 2024: Protests spread from campuses to city squares, with students joining forces with other groups to demand transparency and justice [4].
- March 15, 2025: Over 300,000 people march in Belgrade, marking one of the largest protests in Serbia's history [4].
- August 13, 2025: Violent clashes erupt across Serbia, including Novi Sad, with police using excessive force against protesters, resulting in injuries and arrests [2][5].
- August 14-15, 2025: Protests continue, with demonstrators chanting "he is finished" at President Aleksandar Vučić in Novi Sad [1].
Causes of the Unrest
The causes of the unrest in Serbia are multifaceted. The collapse of the railway station canopy highlighted systemic corruption, negligence, and government impunity, leading to widespread discontent [3][4]. The government's handling of the incident and subsequent protests, including repression and denial of accountability, has fueled further unrest [2][3]. Additionally, the protests reflect broader dissatisfaction with economic conditions and political stagnation in Serbia [3].
Ongoing Demands and Future Developments
The protesters' demands include snap elections, accountability for past incidents, systemic change, and greater transparency and justice [3][4]. However, the government has so far refused to call for new elections. President Aleksandar Vučić has faced calls to resign, and activists have given him an ultimatum, demanding that he set a date for early parliamentary elections [4].
Recently, President of the Serbian Progressive Party, Milos Vucevic, was in Novi Sad. The situation remains tense, with attacks on civilians, police, and property damage reported in several locations [6]. Over 60 people have been injured during the riots, and more than two police officers have been seriously injured [7].
As the situation in Serbia continues to unfold, it is clear that the demands for change are not going away anytime soon. The protesters are determined to bring about systemic change and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The government, for its part, will need to find a way to address these demands and restore peace and stability to the country.
Sources:
- BBC News
- Al Jazeera
- Reuters
- The Guardian
- Deutsche Welle
- Novosti
- Blic
Politics and general-news outlets have been reporting on the ongoing unrest in Serbia, with protests and violence escalating particularly in Novi Sad and Belgrade. The crisis was triggered by a tragic incident at a railway station in November 2024, when a renovated canopy collapsed, causing the death of 16 people, setting off a wave of protests demanding transparency, justice, and systemic change in crime-and-justice issues.
