In the wake of the accident at the Novi Sad train station, thousands of opposition supporters took part today in a turbulent protest in this northwestern Serbian city, accusing the government of negligence and corruption.
The accident occurred on Friday when part of the roof at the station entrance collapsed, killing 14 people and injuring three others.
Police used pepper spray to disperse the gathered crowd after protesters began smashing windows at the town hall and dumping manure inside the building. Some hooded individuals threw eggs, bottles, and bricks at offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party.
“The people are furious,” said MP Radomir Lazovic, who participated in the protest.
Protesters held signs reading, “Your hands are stained with blood” and “You will be held accountable,” while chanting slogans calling for the arrest of President Vucic.
In a post on Instagram, the Serbian president stated that “the police are showing maximum restraint,” but warned protesters not to assume that violence will be tolerated, assuring that rioters will face justice.
On Monday, Transport Minister Goran Vesic resigned over the tragedy at the Novi Sad train station. In a press conference, Vesic clarified that he does not feel responsible but is resigning out of respect for public sentiment.
Translated from: ANA-MPA
