Demonstrations took place across the United States and Canada on Sunday, showing solidarity for students who have been staging protests and blocking universities for several months. Their demands center on accountability following the tragic deaths of 15 individuals at the Novi Sad train station. Events were organized in cities including Washington, Chicago, Boston, Nantucket, Miami, Tampa, Los Angeles, Houston, Toronto, and Vancouver.

A rally supporting students in Serbia was organized for the second time in front of the Capitol building in Washington, where several dozen individuals gathered.

Members of the diaspora assembled at Capitol Hill around noon, holding banners that read “Our children, DC is with you”, “What comes to your mind, comes to our head”, “Your bloody fairy tale”, along with a large sign that declared “Washington, DC is with you”.

The crowd stood in silence for 15 minutes on the steps of Congress, with noticeably more attendees than at the previous rally.

Maja Nikolić, who has been residing in Washington since 2019 for her doctoral studies, attended the initial protest as well.

“I am thrilled to see Serbian youth finally awakening. I harbor a hope that we can build the system I desire to live in… I want to return to my homeland, but under different circumstances, to a place where institutions fulfill their roles, where the system works, and where citizens are protected,” she shared with Voice of America.

Nebojša, who moved to America in 2000 to complete high school, recounted his father’s advice as he left: “Go there and stay; nepotism runs rampant here, and it will never improve.” After 25 years, he believes conditions have only worsened. “I’m here to support the students because the youth represents the future. I hope for meaningful change,” he added.

Milica, who has been studying in America for three years, voiced her hopes as well.

“We are advocating for a healthier society, where the rule of law prevails,” she emphasized.

Chicago

In Chicago, a second protest was held at the Serbian consulate, echoing the sentiments expressed in Washington. Participants exhibited banners stating “Beyond borders, but not beyond the fight” and “With you with all my heart.”

Pavle Steković, the organizer of the Chicago protest, has lived in America for seven years, having moved from Gornji Milanovac to join his father, who works in plumbing. He came seeking a better life, as he mentioned that conditions were not favorable in Serbia.

“I’ve made my life here in America, yet I hold my roots close and will always remember Serbia. One day, I intend to return and spend my final days there. I stand firmly with my brothers, sisters, friends, and all my loved ones back home and joined this gathering for them,” Steković stated to Voice of America.

He observed that the turnout was double that of the previous rally and noted the peaceful nature of the event. He articulated the disappointment attendees felt regarding the situation in Serbia.

“We stand united behind the students, hoping they will continue their fight. Justice must prevail; no more injustice should occur,” Steković added.

During the demonstration, a moment of silence was observed for 15 minutes while the street was temporarily blocked, with police securing the event.

Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, over 11,520 people gathered at Venice Beach at 10:00 a.m. local time to express their support for the student protests in Serbia.

Among the attendees were actors Nikola Đuričko and Marija Karan.

Despite rainy weather, a 15-minute silence was observed in memory of the victims from the Novi Sad incident.

Participants displayed banners with messages such as “LA is with the students,” “Not even the ocean will wash you away,” “Surfers are with the students,” and “When it came to Los Angeles, you aren’t in charge here either.”

A notable banner featured a painted surfboard with the phrase “You’ll never wash your hands.”

Danijela Mijailović, originally from Belgrade and now living near Los Angeles, expressed her full support for the protests, stating she wants to avoid mourning her loved ones due to systemic corruption.

“I also fear for the safety of my family and pets from reckless drivers who act as if they are untouchable. I’m grateful to the students for their incredible resolve, organization, and bravery; they unite us and rekindle the hope for change,” she conveyed to Voice of America.

Simona Popović added that the purpose of the rally was to show that “Serbia is not alone. Everyone who left because things weren’t going well still loves their homeland deeply.”

“We want to express immense gratitude to the students for illuminating hope for us amid this darkness. They represent a bright future, and we aim to send them additional light from our sunny Los Angeles,” Popović stated.

Miamii

A rally also occurred in Miami, Florida, commencing at 11:52 a.m. with a 15-minute silence dedicated to the victims from Novi Sad.

Following the peaceful gathering, participants marched through downtown Miami, with unofficial estimates suggesting a turnout of approximately 100 to 200 individuals.

Banners waved included messages like “Miami is with you,” “Love for students,” and “Only a student can save a Serb.”

A separate protest took place in Tampa, Florida, where the attendees carried signs reading “Meet the students’ demands and goodbye,” “Raise anchor and leave; we’ve drifted long enough,” “Because of you, we are far from home,” “Out of sight, but not out of heart,” and “I don’t want to send my children to Germany.”

Miloš Galić, one of the protest’s initiators in Tampa, highlighted the students’ relentless fight in Serbia, noting that they were accomplishing what no one had managed to do before.

“We recognize their movement and want to offer heartfelt support from Florida, urging them to persist and know we, as the diaspora, stand ready to assist in any way we can,” Galić declared.

Bora Stanković from Zemun, attending the Tampa protest, offered strong support to students, educators, and independent thinkers.

“Keep pushing forward! We are all united with you,” Stanković exclaimed.

“Full support for the students! They have achieved what we could not. Bravo to their courage and determination. It’s time for change in Serbia; we have lingered in darkness for too long, and they illuminate our path. Keep going; we are sending steadfast support!” remarked protest participant Ana Belincanov Šijačić.

Dejana Petrović emphasized her support for students.

“We were all once students, and I transitioned from one street to another. We have been organizing protests since 2016, anticipating a worsening situation, and thought we couldn’t sink any lower. The tragic death of 15 individuals has deeply moved us, uniting us here. Tomorrow, we aspire to return to a better Serbia as we remember it, which is emotional for me. Change is essential! Therefore, students, don’t give up! We believe in you because the youth are our nation’s greatest asset!” Petrović stated.

Houston, Texas

A rally supporting Serbian students was also convened in Houston, Texas, where around 50 individuals gathered despite rain, displaying banners that read “Serbia in the heart,” “For students and the homeland,” “Support knows no borders,” and “Support from Houston for young students, calling for the removal of the Serbian government.”

Srđan Lalatović and his wife, who have been in Houston for 12 years, expressed their happiness at being able to provide support.

“Our hearts swell upon seeing so many people rallying behind the students in Belgrade and other citizens of Serbia demanding justice and freedom, and that institutions function as they should,” Srđan told Voice of America.

Marko, another rally participant, explained his attendance was due to concerns over the situation in Serbia.

“I am here for a singular reason: the deplorable situation in our homeland, where justice and freedom are scarce, and uniformity prevails. We need to awaken our entire populace to understand that regardless of political allegiances, they must prioritize being good citizens and effecting change,” Marko shared.

Boston and Nantucket, Massachusetts

Boston also hosted a protest at 11:52 a.m.

Participants raised banners displaying messages such as “Boston is with you,” “Demands remain unmet,” and “Boston stands with the youth of Serbia,” with an estimated 70 attendees.

“Being part of this gathering is a powerful reminder of the importance of our voice and unity in seeking systemic change. The collective spirit abroad truly emphasizes our desire for a better reality,” Jovana Dubljević expressed to Voice of America from Boston.

A protest was similarly conducted in Nantucket, Massachusetts, where demonstrators showcased signs stating “Your Hands Are Bloody,” “Support the Educators,” “Former Student,” and “Corruption Kills.”

“Motivated by current events in Serbia, we came together to support the students. Though few in number on Nantucket, we felt every expression of support was significant and could not remain silent. Approximately 30 of us participated, which is quite successful for our community, and we garnered support from locals, many of whom drove past during our gathering,” Anja Braun told Voice of America.

She noted that the 15-minute silence occurred from 11:52 to 12:07, with local media present, resulting in coverage in the Inquirer and Mirror.

“Let’s not remain distant relatives from Canada forever!”

Another rally was organized in Toronto in front of the Serbian Consulate in Canada, commencing at the symbolic time of 11:52:15, coinciding with the canopy collapse in Novi Sad, followed by a moment of silence for the victims. Unofficial estimates suggest around 200 attendees at this rally.

Participants displayed banners with messages such as “Toronto sidewalks with students,” “Aunties from Canada stand with students,” and “Students, count on us.”

“Distance does not diminish our concern; we are pained by what happens back home. As a parent, I desire to return one day, and I don’t wish to remain a distant relative from Canada forever,” remarked one protester.

Student Katarina Jovanović voiced her support, emphasizing the importance of diaspora students backing their peers in Serbia.

A similar protest took place in Vancouver, in front of the Art Gallery, with approximately 150 individuals participating, who held a symbolic 15-minute silence at 11:52.

Students have been blocking universities in Serbia for weeks in response to the deaths at the Novi Sad Railway Station, demanding five key actions: the release of complete documentation related to the reconstruction of the Novi Sad Railway Station, the dropping of charges against students arrested during protests, the filing of criminal charges against alleged attackers of students and faculty, and a 20 percent increase in the budget for higher education.

Additionally, students announced plans to block the Autokomanda intersection in Belgrade for 27 hours starting January 24.

The protests followed the tragic incident on November 1, resulting in 15 fatalities when a canopy collapsed at the railway station. The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad has since indicted 13 individuals, including former Minister of Construction Goran Vesić.

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