BELGRADE (Reuters) – Tons of of opposition activists rallied in Belgrade on Sunday to protest over a lethal accident at a railway station in Serbia’s north, for which they blame negligence and corruption by the authorities.
The catastrophe on Friday within the metropolis of Novi Unhappy, about 70 km (40 miles) northwest of Belgrade, occurred when roofing alongside the doorway to the station immediately collapsed, killing 14 individuals and severely injuring three.
Protesters carrying banners studying “The blood is in your arms,” and “Corruption kills,” and chanting “Arrest (President Aleksandar) Vucic”, marched by authorities buildings within the heart of the Serbian capital.
“We’re all shaken and livid … the state is straight chargeable for this,” stated Djordje Dimitrijevic, a protester.
Serbia’s opposition politicians, activists and rights teams accuse authorities loyal to Vucic and his Serbian Progressive Celebration of rampant corruption, ties with organised crime, nepotism and extreme crimson tape.
Vucic and his allies deny such allegations.
Serbia’s Prime Minister Milos Vucevic stated on Sunday authorities had been investigating who’s chargeable for the catastrophe.
“Prosecution and police are working to determine prison duty … (and) there isn’t a avoidance of political duty,” Vucevic stated in a TV broadcast.
The station in Novi Unhappy was renovated in 2021 and 2022. Different minor works continued till July this 12 months.
The prosecutor’s workplace within the metropolis stated on Sunday its investigators had interviewed 26 individuals in reference to the accident, together with Transportation Minister Goran Vesic, and had secured paperwork of significance. One other 14 individuals have been summoned for questioning, it added.
