Thousands of students have gathered this Saturday In the city of Kragujevac, in the center of Serbiain which it was expected to be the greater manifestation of protest Against the Government to date for the mortal railway disaster that occurred in November. In the three months since 15 people died When a roof collapsed at a train station Recently renewed in the city of Novi Sad, the mass manifestations against corruption They have spread throughout the Balkan State and have become the greater Serbian protest movement in years.
Participants, who have arrived from different parts of the country, have been received by Kragujevac residents festively. Under almost icy temperatures, drums have been touched, whistles have been sounded and the country’s flag has risen. The protesters They plan to block one of the main avenues of the city for 15 hours and 15 minutes, in a symbolic tribute to the victims. Some of them They have marched for days on foottouring up to 150 kilometers; Others have made the bus trip, in authentic caravans.
The protest is celebrated on February 15 coinciding with the Independence Day In the same city, in which 190 years ago the first modern Constitution of the then Principality of Serbia was adopted.
Many Serbs blame tragedy to the corruption and al nepotism that, as reported, practices the president’s government Aleksandar Vucicwho denies the accusations. Political analysts point out that the demonstrations have created one of the greatest threats to the power of the populist Vucic, who will participate this Saturday in a great rally next to the President of the Republic Srpska of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Proruso and separatist Milorad Dodik .
Very young people
“We are here to fight for a better tomorrow, against corruption,” said Jovan, 20, who has led Belgrade with a group of friends. “I love my country and I want my children to grow here,” he said.
Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and two other ministers have resigned Because of the protests and prosecutors have accused 13 people for the disaster, but this has not served to quell the demonstrations.
Since the accident, students have organized daily protests, occupying university buildings and bloc insufficient, taking roads and squares. “We will stay here until the blockade ends,” said Djordje Vujovic, 22, a mechanical engineering student. “We want to continue with our studies, but only when our demands are met,” he added.
Students demand that the authorities publish the Documents related to the collapse of the ceiling of the stationjustice for those responsible, the dismissal of the positions against the students who have protested and a greater budget for higher education.
