North Mitrovica witnessed yet another solemn gathering today, as students and citizens held the event „15 Minutes of Silence for 15 Victims“ in remembrance of those who perished in the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse.
For the fifth time overall, and the fourth under the organization of students, the silent protest took place in the city’s central square. At exactly 11:52 AM, attendees observed 15 minutes of silence in tribute to the 15 victims of the tragic accident that occurred over three months ago.
Students from the University of Pristina, currently based in North Mitrovica, spearheaded the initiative, inviting the public to join them in their call for justice. Despite freezing temperatures, around a hundred people, mostly elderly citizens, gathered to pay their respects.
Many held banners conveying messages of grief and frustration.
One read: „We live and walk on thin ice, never knowing when it might break beneath us. Justice must be worthwhile.“ Another declared: „I understand the pain of the families who lost loved ones in Novi Sad. Support for the students fighting for accountability.“
Among the demonstrators was Stanika Lazarević from Zubin Potok, carrying a sign that read: „A mother who has lost her sons knows pain. Only justice can bring a family a moment of peace.“
Having lost one son in the war of 1999 and another in a car accident years later, her presence served as a poignant reminder of the enduring weight of loss.
Mitrovica native Ivana Janković also attended this gathering. After the event in Kragujevac, she stated that the next large gathering will be in Niš, followed by events „further south.“
„Niš is next after Kragujevac, and then we’re heading even further south. We will definitely get there.“
Following the silent tribute, the crowd gradually dispersed.
Beyond the local demonstrations, some students and citizens from North Mitrovica also took part in the large Sretenje student gathering on February 15 in Kragujevac. A local transportation company, Joe Travel, provided free transport to participants.
Support for the students’ cause has been growing. In December, four university professors voiced their backing, followed by seven more who initiated an online petition, amassing 360 signatures from professors, assistants, and students.
More than three months have passed since the tragedy at the Novi Sad railway station, which claimed 15 lives and left two others severely injured.
Despite ongoing student-led protests demanding accountability—particularly from public institutions—there has been little response from the Serbian authorities.
However, public support for the movement remains strong, as many continue to stand in solidarity with the students’ call for justice.
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