Thousands of residents gathered in Niš’s city center to welcome students who made the journey on foot to participate in the “Student Edict” protest scheduled for March 1st.

As reported by a correspondent from Radio Free Europe (RFE), students arrived at the square adjacent to the National Theater from three different routes along the central streets of the city.

Upon arrival, they were welcomed with a red carpet, and citizens honored them with medals, diplomas, and gold laurel wreaths.

The reception was organized by an informal group of students from the University of Niš currently on lockdown.

In the past four days, thousands of students have converged in Niš from various locations across Serbia.

They traveled hundreds of kilometers in groups, whether by walking, running, or cycling.

A special reception was held for the cyclists and runners who arrived earlier in the day.

“We began this struggle together within our faculty walls. Then we took it to the streets. But it is you who have amplified our voices throughout Serbia,” said a student from Niš who delivered the welcoming speech.

Afterward, they all proceeded together to the square to greet those who had walked to Niš.

The “Student Edict” protest in Niš on March 1 was organized by students who are blocking numerous faculties nationwide, demanding accountability—both criminal and political—for the tragic accident in Novi Sad.

The blockade of Niš’s central streets is set to last for 18 hours.

This protest marks exactly four months since the incident in Novi Sad, where one person lost their life and two were injured when a concrete canopy at the renovated Railway Station collapsed on November 15.

The canopy’s collapse ignited a wave of mass protests across Serbia, led in recent months by students who are on blockade and have articulated four demands directed at the government.

The first demand from the students is the release of complete documentation regarding the Railway Station’s reconstruction.

They also seek punishment for those who attacked protest participants during various incidents that occurred following the accident.

Additionally, they are calling for the suspension of criminal charges against demonstrators arrested during the protests.

While the government claims to have addressed the students’ demands, the students and the academic community refute these claims and maintain their blockades.

Thus far, the students have organized several mass protests in Serbia’s largest cities.

These protests include a 15-hour blockade in Kragujevac, a 27-hour blockade of the Freedom Bridge in Novi Sad, and a 24-hour blockade of the Autokomanda traffic hub in Belgrade.

Students Sleep in the “Čair” Hall, Schools, and Faculties

Students arriving in Niš ahead of the protest will be provided with free overnight accommodation in the “Čair” sports hall and two elementary school gyms, all arranged by the City at the students’ request.

Additionally, accommodations at universities and other primary and secondary schools have been made available, welcoming the visitors.

In response to the students’ appeal, citizens have generously donated mattresses, bedding, food, hygiene products, as well as medicines and first aid kits to assist those who traveled to Niš.

A significant number of Niš residents have also offered free lodging for students prior to the March 1st protests, whether in personal apartments or business spaces.

News