Violent clashes erupted in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, as rival groups held dueling rallies marking the anniversary of a deadly railway station collapse. The incident, which occurred on November 1, 2024, in Novi Sad, resulted in the deaths of 16 people and sparked nationwide protests. The protests have been driven by demands for accountability and accusations of government corruption and mismanagement.

On Sunday, a crowd gathered outside the Serbian parliament building, led by Dijana Hrka, who lost her son in the collapse. Meanwhile, government supporters and students opposing the protesters’ tactics of blockading universities rallied in Pionirski Park. Despite police efforts to separate the groups, sporadic clashes broke out, with reports of bottles and firecrackers being thrown. One person was arrested, according to the police.

The Serbian Interior Ministry attributed the violence to “an organized group” within the anti-government protesters, stating that a tent in Pionirski Park had been set on fire. However, supporters of the student blockade movement claimed that pro-government activists initiated the violence by throwing projectiles.

President Aleksandar Vucic, who has previously suggested that the protests were incited from abroad, denied allegations that his supporters were responsible for the clashes. In an interview with Informer TV, Vucic stated that “the blockaders can’t tolerate democracy or differing opinions.” He also noted that several offices of his ruling SNS party have been set on fire since 2024.

The protests in Serbia have been ongoing, with university students playing a significant role in demanding accountability for the railway station collapse. The government has faced accusations of corruption and mismanagement, which have sparked widespread outrage. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the protesters’ demands and whether the violence will escalate further.

The anniversary of the railway station collapse has brought renewed attention to the issues plaguing Serbia, including corruption and government accountability. The international community is watching the developments in the country, as the protests have sparked concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in the region.