On January 26, protests and road blockades were held in various cities across Serbia to honor the victims of the tragic incident at the Novi Sad Railway Station.

In Čačak, thousands of individuals gathered to support students who were blocking the faculty in their demand for accountability regarding the railway station canopy collapse that claimed 15 lives.

The protesters congregated in front of the Faculty of Technical Sciences in central Serbia and marched in a procession to the plateau outside the Gymnasium, where they held a fifteen-minute memorial service for the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy, accompanied by the sounds of whistles and trumpets.

A prominent banner at the forefront of the march read “Čačak has risen,” alongside a red poster symbolizing the student index and a model of an excavator, representing the democratic changes of October 2000.

In contrast to a previous protest that ended in clashes between participants and party officials near the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) offices, Sunday’s march proceeded peacefully.

The students covered the SNS premises with a large screen, displaying a banner that asserted “Students are distancing themselves from incidents.”

The protesters in front of the SNS chanted “ua,” “thieves,” and voiced opposition against Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

Support for the students came from over 200 doctors from Čačak who signed a letter backing their cause.

Additionally, farmers from nearby villages joined the protest in Čačak.

Tractors in Belgrade

On the same day, farmers from Pančevo arrived in Belgrade on tractors to show solidarity with the students blockading the Faculty of Agriculture.

The farmers brought food and refreshments for the students, parking ten tractors in front of the faculty, all under the slogan “Let’s stand in front of our children.”

Their convoy heading to Belgrade was escorted by traffic police, ensuring a peaceful demonstration.

Students from the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Engineering gathered in front of the Faculty of Law in Belgrade, where they paid homage to the Novi Sad incident victims by blocking the intersection for 15 minutes.

The demonstrators carried banners that read, “Sorry for bothering you while you destroy our future,” “Corruption and manipulation are your only innovation,” and “For justice, not for money.”

Silence in Novi Sad for Dona too

In Novi Sad, thousands gathered with their pets to pay respect to Dona, a dog that was struck by a vehicle from the Clinical Center of Vojvodina during a protest in the city on January 24.

Participants held banners stating “For Donna,” “You’ve trampled on us enough,” “Donna is not just a dog – Donna is the voice of all of us,” “All dogs go to heaven,” and “Justice for Donna.”

The crowd observed a moment of silence lasting 16 minutes, dedicating one additional minute for Dona.

The Clinical Center of Vojvodina released a statement on January 25, acknowledging that one of its vehicles had hit a dog during a protest in Novi Sad.

“The police and prosecutor’s office are taking all necessary measures within their jurisdiction, and the public will be informed of any further developments,” the statement read.

The ambulance driver who hit the dog allegedly did not stop, and the vehicle was neither rotating nor using its siren, as captured in video footage posted on social media.

Students occupy State University of Novi Pazar

On January 26, students from the State University in Novi Pazar entered the institution’s building to officially commence their blockade.

After waiting over two hours for management and employees to unlock the door, they “opened it with minimal force and entered,” according to reports from Beta agency.

This followed a unanimous vote at a plenum to initiate a blockade of the University.

The entrance of over a hundred students was met with applause from dozens of citizens who came out to support them.

Niš: “Throw the cobras so we can play”

In Niš, students demonstrated in the central square, chanting “Throw the cobras so we can play,” as reported by N1.

The primary protest led by students in the blockade was taking place at King Milan Square.

Biker protest in Kragujevac

Bikers in Kragujevac expressed support for the students by organizing a protest ride and blocking the intersection near the Faculty of Law in the city.

The procession was led by motorcyclists waving a flag adorned with a red fist, receiving applause from students and citizens gathering at the Rectorate.

Independent Education Union maintains general strike

The main board of the Independent Trade Union of Teachers of Serbia (NSPRS) has resolved to continue the complete work stoppage, or general strike, in schools until their demands are met.

The union emphasized their support for the students’ demands, alongside a call for the removal of Slavica Đukić Dejanović from the position of Minister of Education.

A segment of teachers who do not fully accept the agreement between representative unions and the Government had suspended work in schools starting January 20.

Students, currently blockading more than 60 state universities, are demanding full disclosure of the documentation regarding the reconstruction of the Novi Sad Railway Station.

They are also insisting on punishment for the attackers of the protesters associated with the incident and the suspension of proceedings against the protesters themselves.

Government officials contend that all demands have been met and are urging students to reopen their faculties.

However, academics argue that their demands remain only partially addressed, and the suspension of work at faculties will persist until further notice.

International support strengthens

Reports from N1 indicate that students received backing from several European nations on this day.

This support included solidarity from students in the UK who stated, “We, Serbian students at universities across the United Kingdom, wish to express our solidarity and full support in your efforts to create a better Serbia.”

Additionally, Serbian diaspora in Great Britain held a memorial service at 11:52 a.m. for the 15 victims of the railway station canopy collapse.

“The diaspora in Britain supports the student protests in Serbia,” the statement emphasized.

A protest rally also took place in front of the National Assembly in Oslo, Norway, where Serbian citizens gathered, playing the song “Living Freely” by Đorđe Balašević.

Similar support rallies occurred in Nuremberg, Germany, Malta, the Slovak capital Bratislava, and Athens, Greece.

In Switzerland, Serbian citizens residing there gathered on a bridge in Basel to express their solidarity with the students and their protests, as reported by N1.

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