Belgrade: Hundreds of thousands called for Vucic’s resignation over Novi Sad

Hundreds of thousands protested on Saturday in Belgrade, calling for the resignation of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic over the Novi Sad tragedy [1], [2]. On November 1, 2024, the recently renovated roof of the city’s railway station collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 15 people.

It was the largest gathering in the past four months, during which regular protests over Novi Sad have taken place throughout the week in various cities across the country, primarily organized by students. Independent Serbian organizations estimate the number of protesters on Saturday at 325,000, while the police report 107,000, according to the BBC.

Vucic and the media supporting his government had warned before Saturday’s rally that the protesters, whom they claim are being guided by Western governments, were planning “violent attacks” with the goal of provoking a “civil war” and seizing power through force. However, Saturday’s rally, like the previous ones, was largely peaceful.

Independent Serbian organizations estimate the number of protesters at 325,000, while the police report 107,000, according to the BBC.

Opposition parties and NGOs have condemned the authorities for using an acoustic cannon to disperse the crowd, a military-grade weapon that is widely banned. They stated they would file a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights, while government officials deny using the weapon. The cannon emits a 160db sound, causing severe ear pain, disorientation, and panic, with prolonged exposure potentially leading to eardrum rupture and permanent hearing damage.

The rally marks an escalation of discontent against Vucic’s 11-year presidency and his government. So far, the most prominent resignation under pressure from the protests has been that of the country’s Prime Minister, M. Vučević, who was also the mayor of Novi Sad during the station’s renovation.

The government’s attempt to cover up the causes of the accident, which protesters attribute to construction methods that failed to follow safety protocols, is seen by them as emblematic of Vucic’s administration.