Serbians gather to commemorate Novi Sad tragedy | DW News

Key Concepts

• Railway Station Roof Collapse: A fatal accident in Serbia that triggered widespread protests.
• Police Brutality and State Repression: The use of excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation by Serbian authorities against protesters.
• Autocratic Regime: A system of government characterized by absolute power and lack of democratic freedoms.
• European Parliament Resolution: A formal statement by the EU Parliament condemning state violence in Serbia and calling for investigations.
• Snap Elections: Early elections called before the scheduled end of a government's term.
• Accountability and Transparency: Demands for those responsible for the railway station collapse to be held responsible and for open government practices.
• Freedom of Association, Assembly, and Expression: Fundamental rights that protesters claim are being suppressed in Serbia.
• Civil Society Organizations: Non-governmental organizations working to promote social change and advocate for citizens' rights.

Summary

Protests in Novisad and Demands for Justice

Thousands are expected to gather in Novisad, Serbia, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of a fatal railway station roof collapse. This tragedy, which claimed 16 lives, has become a focal point for ongoing anti-government protests that began in late 2024. The demonstrations are calling for accountability for the accident and advocating for greater transparency and snap elections.

Police Violence and State Repression

The protests have been met with significant state repression. The report highlights the case of Arsa, a Serbian student who suffered severe injuries, including a cracked skull and multiple stitches, after being beaten by police with batons during an anti-government demonstration. Arsa describes being hit on his head, biceps, forearms, and experiencing a hematoma on his spine. He also recounts being arbitrarily arrested multiple times and expresses doubt about receiving justice under the current system, citing widespread police abuse of power, including threats, kidnappings, and physical violence.

European Parliament's Response and Mixed Reactions

In response to the escalating state violence, the European Parliament has passed a resolution condemning the use of police force and arbitrary arrests in Serbia. The resolution also calls for a swift investigation into the railway station canopy collapse and expresses support for peaceful protesters. However, this resolution has elicited mixed reactions within Serbia. Some view it as a strategic, albeit late, injection of strength into the movement, while others dismiss it as a predictable and politically motivated action by external actors. Arsa and his fellow students, however, see the resolution as a positive step, believing it signifies the EU's recognition of their struggle and a potential pathway towards a better future for their country. The European Parliament has stated it will monitor the Serbian government's actions, but the effectiveness of this oversight in curbing the country's perceived authoritarian drift remains uncertain.

Protests' Pressure on the Serbian Government

DW correspondent Idro Cifery reports from Novisad, where protesters are gathering. He explains that citizens and students have been marching, some for up to 16 days, to reach Novisad for a memorial gathering and to demand justice, protest corruption, and hold those responsible for the tragedy accountable. The protesters are also calling for snap elections. Cifery notes that these protests are exerting significant pressure on the Serbian government, despite official claims of control. He highlights that the past year has witnessed some of the largest anti-government protests in Serbian history since the fall of Slobodan Milošević in 2000, with hundreds of thousands participating.

Students' Role and Societal Influence

Students have been at the forefront of these protests, initiating them and subsequently drawing in broader citizen support. They have also been instrumental in forming an alternative political list comprising independent individuals aiming to challenge President Aleksandar Vučić. The protests have led to government concessions, including the Prime Minister's resignation following incidents of violence against protesters. Cifery emphasizes the unprecedented level of public support seen in Serbian streets over decades.

Impact of the EU Resolution

The EU Parliament's condemnation of police force and arbitrary arrests has been welcomed by protesters, though many feel it is overdue. President Vučić, however, has reacted negatively, calling the resolution an expected but false accusation from the EU Parliament.

Civil Society's Perspective on Repression

Maya Stoanovich, Executive Director of the NGO Civic Initiatives in Serbia, corroborates the widespread nature of police brutality and arbitrary arrests. She states that the incident involving Arsa is not isolated and that many students and citizens have been severely attacked and arrested. Official government reports indicate over 25,000 public gatherings protesting impunity and police repression in the 10 months leading up to September. Stoanovich also highlights the significant number of arrests (over 1,000) and the severe breaches of fundamental rights, including freedom of association, assembly, and expression.

Obstacles to Protests and Authoritarian Tendencies

Stoanovich confirms that authorities are actively attempting to hinder protests. The Serbian state announced the stoppage of all trains to Novisad and reported road repairs on routes leading to the city, making it difficult for people to attend. Despite these efforts, she anticipates the Novisad protest will be the largest to date. Critics, including Stoanovich, accuse President Vučić of steering Serbia towards authoritarianism, citing daily attacks on journalists that go unpunished and police raids on civil society organizations' offices.

Proposed Solutions for De-escalation

The primary demands of the students and citizens have consistently been full accountability and transparency regarding the railway station canopy renovation. Stoanovich believes that fulfilling these demands, which involve clarifying contract terms and identifying responsible parties, is achievable. The second key demand is for free and fair elections. Stoanovich suggests that calling for extraordinary elections, a practice Serbia has seen multiple times, would help de-escalate tensions and facilitate the rebuilding of public trust and a democratic society.