A group of nine students from southwestern Serbia has embarked on a nearly two-week-long trek across the country, aiming to draw attention to a tragic railway station disaster that occurred a year ago. The students, who set out from Novi Pazar on October 16, are determined to reach Novi Sad by November 1, the anniversary of the incident. On that day, a major rally is planned to commemorate the collapse of a canopy at the city’s train station, which claimed 16 lives. The students allege that government corruption led to substandard renovations, resulting in the tragedy. Along their journey, the group has been joined by additional supporters, and their efforts have garnered widespread public support. Chemistry student Emina Spahic expressed gratitude for the encouragement they’ve received, stating, ‘People have been honking their horns and coming out of their houses to greet us, which really means a lot.’ Over the past year, students have been at the forefront of protests demanding accountability for the disaster, challenging the populist government of President Aleksandar Vucic. Despite facing detentions and threats, the students remain resolute. Their march also aims to bridge ethnic divides in Serbia, particularly between Orthodox Christian Serbs and Muslim Bosniaks, stemming from the 1990s wars. Inas Hodzic, a biochemistry student from Novi Pazar, emphasized the unifying potential of their efforts, stating, ‘We now see we are all the same and should stand united.’ Tens of thousands are expected to gather in Novi Sad on November 1 to honor the victims and demand change.
Students trek across Serbia to campaign for station collapse victims ahead of anniversary
