Serbia's Students Stand Up

The recent protests in Serbia have a lot of people talking. It all started with a tragic accident at the Novi Sad train station. This station, built way back in 1964, was finally getting some much-needed upgrades. The upgrades were part of China's big plan, the Belt and Road initiative. This plan aims to connect cities across Europe and Asia, making travel faster and easier. The idea is to create a smooth route from Budapest all the way to Athens, passing through Belgrade and Novi Sad. The goal is to link up with the Chinese-run port in Piraeus. It sounds great, right? But there's a catch. Many people in the Balkans are skeptical about these kinds of government projects. They worry about corruption and shoddy work. Some believe that's exactly what happened at the train station. The upgrades might have been rushed or poorly done, leading to the tragic collapse. The protests began with locals in Novi Sad. They gathered to honor those who lost their lives. But as the government started pushing back, more people joined in. Students from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade were among the first to protest. They were joined by professors and other students. Things took a dark turn when protesters were attacked by a group not part of the movement. This attack sparked even more outrage and solidarity. Students from other universities across the country started joining in. They occupied their campuses, suspending classes and showing their support. The students have been a driving force behind these protests. They can protest daily, unlike many others who have work or family responsibilities. Those who can't protest every day still help out in other ways. They bring food, blankets, and supplies to the occupied universities. The protests have been a big deal. They've even caught the attention of the president, Aleksandar Vučić. He's made it clear that he won't let the protests get out of hand. But the students and professors aren't backing down. They're standing up for what they believe in, and they're not afraid to make their voices heard. This is a critical moment for Serbia. It's a chance for the country to address long-standing issues and move forward. But it's also a time of uncertainty. Will the government listen to the people? Will the protests lead to real change? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: the students of Serbia are making their mark on history. They're showing the world that they won't be silenced. They're fighting for a better future, and they're doing it with courage and determination.