what are serbians protesting

Serbians are protesting primarily against widespread corruption, poor governance, and alleged police brutality. The protests began in November 2024 after a tragic incident where a newly renovated rail station canopy collapsed, killing 16 people. Many Serbians blamed this disaster on corruption and negligence in public infrastructure projects. The protests, originally led by students, evolved to demand immediate elections, transparency, accountability, and reforms to ensure free and fair elections. They are also calling for criminal charges related to the tragedy and better funding for education. The movement gained momentum with large crowds in cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad. Recently, the protests have turned violent, with clashes between demonstrators and police, including use of tear gas and incidents of property damage such as arson at ruling party offices. Protesters are also reacting to alleged police brutality, with videos circulating of violent police treatment of demonstrators. The Serbian government, led by President Aleksandar Vučić, has dismissed calls for early elections and accused protesters of being influenced by foreign forces and terrorism. Despite Serbia's official EU membership ambitions, tensions have risen, with the government criticized for authoritarian tendencies and alleged suppression of democratic freedoms during these protests. The protests are ongoing with thousands participating and significant attention on human rights issues, including academic freedom and civic rights, amid a crackdown on student-led movements.