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yesterday

Serbia’s Student Movement Converges on Novi Sad as Anniversary Rally Tests Vučić

Indictments remain unconfirmed, with EU scrutiny growing.

An aerial view of students marching through the fields in northern Serbia, as they go to Novi Sad for a huge rally on Nov. 1 marking the first anniversary of a train station disaster that killed 16 people, in Indjija, Serbia, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
An aerial view of students marching through the fields in northern Serbia, as they go to Novi Sad for a huge rally on Nov. 1 marking the first anniversary of a train station disaster that killed 16 people, in Indjija, Serbia, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
Diana Hrka, the mother of Stefan Hrka, a young man who died when the canopy of the railway station in Novi Sad fell reacts during an interview with The Associated Press, in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Students rest on the street prior to the start of their march to Novi Sad for a huge rally on Nov. 1 marking the first anniversary of a train station disaster that killed 16 people, in Indjija, Serbia, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)

Overview

  • Thousands of mostly young marchers are arriving for Saturday’s commemoration in Novi Sad after multi‑day treks from across Serbia.
  • President Aleksandar Vučić has rejected snap elections, labeled protesters “terrorists,” and warned of mass arrests if violence occurs, while allies plan a larger pro‑government rally in the city later in November.
  • Prosecutors indicted former construction minister Goran Vesić and 12 others in September over unsafe works tied to the collapse, but the court has not confirmed the case and no trial date has been set.
  • An independent expert team presented findings to the European Parliament alleging high‑level corruption, and MEPs passed a resolution calling for a transparent investigation and an EU fact‑finding mission.
  • Police have repeatedly dispersed demonstrations with tear gas and stun grenades and detained scores of activists, reinforcing a year‑long standoff that has mobilized students nationwide.