A Long March to Justice
After 100 days of outrage and grief following the collapse of a train station canopy in Belgrade, thousands of Serbian students are taking to the streets, demanding accountability and justice. Led by university students, the protests will culminate in a massive rally in Kragujevac on Saturday, which coincides with Serbia’s Statehood Day.
A Rallying Cry for Change
The students’ march, which began on Tuesday, has already seen hundreds from multiple cities converge on the capital, Belgrade. By Saturday, they will be joined by university and high school students from across the country, including Niš, Čačak, Užice, Kraljevo, Gornji Milanovac, and Novi Pazar. Their united voice will demand answers and responsibility for the tragic loss of 15 lives in November.
A Government Under Scrutiny
The protests have not only targeted the officials responsible for the train station collapse but also President Aleksandar Vučić’s government. Vučić has vowed to defeat what he calls a “colour revolution” aimed at overthrowing him. However, the student-led movement has already achieved significant success, with the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, a close ally of Vučić and leader of his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
A Confrontation Looms
The Kragujevac rally will coincide with Vučić’s counter-rally in Novi Sad on the same day. This will mark a tense showdown between the students and the government, with the students’ demands for justice and accountability hanging in the balance. The rally also coincides with the Orthodox Christian holiday of Candlemas or the Feast of the Holy Encounter, adding a sense of significance to the event.
A Turning Point for Serbia?
The student-led movement has already shown its strength and resilience, with the ousting of Prime Minister Vučević a testament to their determination. As thousands gather in Kragujevac on Saturday, they will be seeking not only justice for the victims of the train station collapse but also a brighter future for Serbia. Will their demands be heard, and will this be a turning point for the country? Only time will tell.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Reuters
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