Opposition forces have been demanding early elections after the Novi Sad train station collapse.

On Saturday, about 70,000 Serbian citizens rallied in 75 cities to support President Aleksandar Vucic and reject the student-led anti-government protests that for nine months have demanded early elections.

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“No more blockades,” “Peace and stability,” “Enough violence,” and “No to blockades, yes to progress” were among the slogans on banners calling for a return to normalcy, an end to opposition protests, and a halt to road blockades.

Pro-Vucic demonstrations were held in major Serbian cities except Belgrade and Novi Sad, where opposition sentiment is particularly strong. In the city of Ub, Vucic was greeted with applause from supporters and reiterated his invitation to opposition groups to join a dialogue.

The opposition and student groups launched their protests after 16 people were killed in November 2024 when a canopy collapsed at Novi Sad’s train station.

Anti-government protests have since spread to cities including Belgrade, Požega, Valjevo, Bor, Zrenjanin, Ivanjica, Kostolac, Kragujevac, Smederevo, Sremska Mitrovica, Sombor, Srbobran, Inđija, and Obrenovac.

Recently, Serbian police detained 19 demonstrators. In response, students have demanded their immediate release, arguing they were arrested without evidence and placed in pretrial detention under serious charges.

Protesters are also demanding full publication of reconstruction documents for the train station, thorough investigations, punishment of those responsible, and the release of detainees.

The student-led movement has not subsided despite the Serbian government’s publication of some reconstruction documents and its invitation to the opposition for dialogue.

The Justice Ministry has described the unrest as an attack on constitutional order and warned that anyone committing violence, intimidation, or threats for political reasons would be punished under the law. Vucic claims the anti-government protests are part of a “color revolution” organized and financed from abroad.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: EFE – RT

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