Serbia Protests: Citizens Demand Justice for Train Station Tragedy Amidst Police Crackdown
Protests continue in Serbia after a tragic incident at Novi Sad railway station. A red handprint logo with the word “Criminals” symbolizes the demonstrators who demand accountability for the collapse that killed 15 people and injured two on November 1. The station had recently reopened after three years of renovation by a Chinese company, which, according to Serbian Railways, did not include the collapsed roof.
Mila Paich, a student and protest organizer, works tirelessly to plan new actions, including blocking bridges and highways. She and her friend, Dorotea Antic, were arrested while preparing for a demonstration. Mila describes how six men in black surrounded them, forced her into a vehicle, and took them to an undisclosed location. During a four-hour interrogation, they were questioned about the protests. Despite their parents and lawyers looking for them, Mila and Dorotea were only released when they were declared missing. Police and secret services confirmed that their names were not on any lists.
Three weeks post-incident, numerous arrests have occurred across Serbia, affecting activists, opposition politicians, and students. The police have not disclosed the exact number of detainees, though 15 are still in custody. Relja Stojanovic gained attention for defending a friend from an attacker, who turned out to be an undercover officer. Now, Stojanovic faces charges for assaulting a law enforcement officer. In solidarity, theatre actors in Novi Sad have begun requesting political accountability for the tragedy before performances.
After masked individuals threw stones at the city hall during protests, President Aleksandar Vucic labeled the demonstrators as “gangsters” and accused them of terrorism. However, the opposition denies any involvement from the arrested individuals in the violence, presenting evidence that groups linked to Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) orchestrated the chaos. MP Marinika Tepic claimed they identified SNS members involved in the unrest. Despite this, none have been arrested, although videos could help authorities recognize them.
How are the protests in Serbia being received by the general public and the government?
Interview: Mila Paich on the Ongoing Protests in Serbia Following the Novi Sad Railway Station Tragedy
By the News Directory Team
Following the tragic incident at the Novi Sad railway station, where the collapse of the newly renovated roof resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, the Serbian public has taken to the streets in a strong show of solidarity and demand for accountability. The protest movement is notably embodied by a striking red handprint logo along with the word “Criminals,” signaling the outrage and grief felt across the nation. To gain insight into the protests and the motivations driving them, we spoke with Mila Paich, a prominent student activist and one of the organizers behind the ongoing demonstrations.
News Directory: Mila, thank you for speaking with us today. Can you start by telling us about the events leading up to the protests?
Mila Paich: Thank you for having me. The protests erupted immediately following the tragic events at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1. The fact that the roof, which collapsed and took so many lives, was part of a recently completed renovation project that we all thought had been executed properly just added to the outrage. The station had been closed for three years while it was being renovated by a Chinese company, and many of us feel that there was negligence in ensuring the safety and structural integrity of the building.
News Directory: We understand you and your friend were arrested during your planning session for a protest. Can you describe what happened?
Mila Paich: Certainly. On the day we were detained, we were simply discussing our strategy in a private space when suddenly six men in black clothes rushed in, surrounding us. They forced me into a vehicle—there was no identification or explanation given. They took us to an undisclosed location. For four hours, I underwent intense interrogation about our plans and my involvement in the protest movement. They wanted to know who else was involved and what we intended to do next. It was intimidating, but it only strengthened my resolve to continue fighting for justice.
News Directory: That sounds harrowing. In light of your experience and the tragic loss of life, what are the main goals of your movement?
Mila Paich: Our primary goal is accountability. We are demanding a thorough investigation into the collapse and the safety protocols surrounding the renovations. We want those responsible for this avoidable tragedy to face consequences—everyone from the construction company to those who approved the renovations. We also aim to raise awareness about broader issues of infrastructure safety in Serbia. We refuse to let this incident fade into the background; the lives lost must not be forgotten.
News Directory: To anyone who might stand against the protests, how do you respond to concerns about how actions like blocking bridges and highways might disrupt daily life?
Mila Paich: I understand that protests can be disruptive. However, we believe that extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures. When lives are on the line, when negligence leads to tragedy, we must make our voices heard, no matter the cost to the routine. We are fighting for a safer future and hoping to prevent more tragedies from occurring. We ask for understanding from the public; we seek their solidarity in this struggle.
News Directory: what message do you want to convey to your fellow citizens and those who may be watching internationally?
Mila Paich: I want everyone to know that this is about more than just a structural failure; it’s about demanding a government that prioritizes the safety and lives of its people above all. We are determined to make sure this does not happen again. To anyone abroad, we hope for global solidarity in recognizing that safety and accountability in infrastructure is a universal right. This issue transcends borders, and we stand united with all who seek justice in their own communities.
As protests continue in Serbia, the voices of young activists like Mila Paich shine a light on the urgent need for change, accountability, and above all, the protection of human life. Thank you, Mila, for sharing your story and inspiring many.
Stay updated with News Directory for the latest developments on the protests and the situation in Serbia.
Demonstrators now call the detained protesters political prisoners and regularly block the courthouse in Novi Sad. They urge the judicial system to operate independently. After police intervened to disperse one peaceful protest, the situation escalated, resulting in violence. Opposition MP Pavle Grbovic noted that police attacked both lawmakers and civilians, leading them to resist.
Despite arrests and violence, protests persist in Serbia. Mila Paich and her friends vow to continue their efforts. “All we have left are the streets and this fight. We will not be intimidated,” she states.