Students from Serbian universities conducted a 24-hour blockade of a key transport hub in Belgrade, increasing pressure on the authorities due to the collapse of a concrete canopy at the station in the city of Novi Sad in November, which killed 15 people. Many in Serbia believe that the massive concrete canopy fell due to careless reconstruction work, which was a result of corruption.
The blockade, which involved thousands of citizens, was joined by farmers on tractors and bikers after students appealed to them for help to secure the demonstrations, reported the channel "Serbia. News".
The protests have not ceased for three months in the capital and other cities of Serbia and have become the largest in recent decades.
Initially, students demanded a transparent investigation of the tragedy and accountability for those responsible. After the authorities, according to the protesters, did not heed their demands, political demands began to be put forward, particularly for the creation of a transitional government that would prepare free early parliamentary elections.
On Tuesday morning, the Serbian publication "Evening News" reported that Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic is resigning amid protests in the country.
In recent weeks, street demonstrations have been marked by several incidents, including drivers running into the crowd, resulting in injuries to two female students.
On Friday, a general strike was organized in Serbia, joined by educational institutions and about 200 companies across the country. Over the weekend, protest marches took place again in Belgrade and other cities.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at a joint press conference on Monday with Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic called for dialogue with the students, stating that "we need to reduce tension and start talking to each other".
At the same time, he previously accused the students of working for unnamed foreign forces seeking to overthrow the government, but noted that he is ready to pardon those who want to avoid criminal prosecution.
The President of Serbia also reported that the prosecutor's office has initiated criminal cases against 37 people for attacks on students and professors.
In addition, Vucic reminded that all documents related to the recent reconstruction of the main railway station in Novi Sad were made public.
The Serbian prosecutor's office has charged 13 people, including a government minister and several state officials. However, former Minister of Construction Goran Vesic was released from custody, which has raised doubts about the independence of the investigation.
Photo: AP