Initial Arrests Made Following Anger Over Serbian Railway Station Collapse

Following three weeks of demonstrations calling for accountability after a fatal section of the railway station in Serbia’s second-largest city collapsed, arrests have commenced. Prosecutors have directed the interrogation of 11 individuals concerning the catastrophe at the recently refurbished Novi Sad facility. The incident, which occurred at the beginning of the month, resulted in the deaths of 15 people when a concrete and glass canopy collapsed. Since the event, Novi Sad has experienced a profound and angry period of mourning. Over 20,000 individuals participated in a single demonstration, filling the city’s streets and public spaces, marking the largest protest the city has witnessed in decades. Demonstrators have adopted the slogan “corruption kills”. They assert that the government’s non-transparent procurement processes for infrastructure initiatives have benefited a select group of preferred contractors, simultaneously jeopardizing public safety. Among those taken into custody was Serbia’s former construction minister. Goran Vesic stepped down from his position in the days after the canopy’s collapse at the recently refurbished station. However, he disclaimed any responsibility. “I cannot accept guilt for the deaths,” he stated upon announcing his resignation, “because I, and the people who work with me, have not an ounce of responsibility for the tragedy that occurred”. Prosecutors, however, appear to hold an alternative perspective. They have indicated that they are probing “criminal acts against public safety”. Nevertheless, Vesic has sought to present himself as a cooperative witness, rather than an alleged offender. “I voluntarily responded to the call of police officers with whom I came to Novi Sad and made myself available to the investigative authorities,” he shared on social media. These arrests come after a televised address delivered on Tuesday by Serbia’s president, Aleksandar Vucic, who cautioned that those accountable for the catastrophe would face repercussions. “15 people did not die because of their own fault, but because someone didn’t do their job properly,” he remarked. A challenge for President Vucic stems from his strong personal association with the Novi Sad railway station. This station serves as a crucial point on the government’s primary infrastructure initiative, the high-speed rail link connecting Belgrade to Budapest. In 2022, Vucic officially opened the station, accompanied by Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban. “This is our way to modern Europe – our way to a better, progressive Serbia,” he informed the BBC then. Renovation work at the station proceeded even subsequent to its inauguration, with an additional opening ceremony held this summer. The station disaster this month carried significant symbolic weight, in addition to its heavy toll in human lives. Opposition parties in Serbia have promptly criticized President Vucic and his Progressive Party administration, contending that the canopy’s collapse is attributable to nepotism and a pervasive culture of impunity. “The slogan of the people is that we are all below this canopy that’s called Serbia – it can collapse wherever you are,” stated Biljana Djordjevic, co-leader of the Green-Left Front. “The Progressive Party base their power on the claim that they are building the country – and that this increases living standards. If now people feel unsafe about this, then their policy is seen as invalid.” It is improbable that the demonstrators will be appeased by the arrests made today. They have persistently called for the resignations of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, who previously served as Novi Sad’s mayor, and the current mayor, Milan Djuric. Should the legal proceedings yield prompt and credible resolutions, it might placate the public. Otherwise, President Vucic and the government could face significant challenges. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.