A wave of Serbian anti-government protests have escalated with reports of a 24-year-old woman driving into a crowd of demonstrators in Belgrade, injuring a 26-year-old woman. A similar incident took place during a protest blockade the previous week, highlighting rising unrest. The nationwide protests have emerged following a tragic canopy collapse in November that resulted in 15 deaths, allegedly due to corruption involving sloppy reconstruction.
President Aleksandar Vucic faces significant opposition, organizing rallies to counter widespread protests challenging his leadership over the past decade. These demonstrations, primarily led by students, have been the largest since Vucic came to power. They have included nationwide traffic blockades and business closures, with the blockades beginning at 11:52am—coinciding with the exact time of the canopy collapse in Novi Sad.
Participants from various sectors, including restaurants, bars, theaters, bakeries, shops, and bookstores, have joined the student-led call for a one-day general strike. Students have urged the public to "take freedom in our hands." Actor Goran Susljik supported the movement, saying, "Things can't stay the same any more," indicating a call for change.
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Legal proceedings have been initiated against 13 individuals in connection with the canopy collapse, including a government minister, though the release of former construction minister Goran Vesic has raised questions about the investigation's independence. The Novi Sad railway station, where the collapse occurred, had been renovated as part of a deal involving Chinese companies. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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