Today marks one year since the collapse of the canopy at the train station in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad, BNT reports. The incident killed 16 people. The tragedy sparked mass anti-government protests.
Thousands of students gathered last night for a protest rally in Novi Sad. They believe the incident was caused by corruption and negligence and are demanding the resignation of President Aleksandar Vucic, as well as early elections.
The students called on citizens to gather at the train station at the time of the tragedy - 11:52 a.m. local time - and pay tribute to the victims with a 16-minute silence. In an address last night, Vucic called for the anniversary to be marked peacefully.
Dragica Jovanovic: "My feelings are positive, but I can't explain why. I believe that the students have somehow given us hope back, and that is already a big thing. That means a lot after the hopelessness we have lived in for the last 15-20 years. Now things have to improve, we have to bring things to an end, and I think that this end is near."