North Mitrovica will join a nationwide tribute tomorrow to honor the 15 victims who tragically lost their lives in the Novi Sad railway station shelter collapse on November 1, 2024. For the first time, the city will hold a 15-minute silent vigil, led by local resident Srđan Đorđević.
Đorđević has invited fellow citizens to gather in front of the Faculty of Philosophy at 11:52 a.m., the exact time of the tragedy, to pay their respects and stand in solidarity with students advocating for justice.
“Dear citizens, I invite you to join me on Friday (January 24) in front of the Faculty of Philosophy in North Mitrovica. Let us support the students fighting for a fairer and better society. We plan to gather by 11:45 a.m. and observe a moment of silence from 11:52 to 12:07 to honor the victims in Novi Sad and show solidarity with all those seeking justice,” Đorđević told KoSSev.
Student-Led Movement for Accountability
Since November, over 100 cities, towns, and villages across Serbia have participated in similar daily actions to demand accountability for the Novi Sad tragedy. Students and citizens are calling for criminal responsibility for the shelter collapse, prosecution of those behind the attacks on students, and an end to state repression and political intimidation.
Đorđević, who previously expressed his support from Zvečan Fortress late last year, emphasized the significance of the student-led efforts.
“We all know the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, what we’ve been through, and who is responsible. The students have demonstrated courage, determination, and the purity of their fight. It is up to us to support them in achieving their demands,” Đorđević stated, adding that the event is not politically motivated but rather a gesture of solidarity with the youth.
The gathering has been officially registered with the police.
Growing Support from Kosovo
Đorđević is not the only supporter of the student movement from Kosovo. On Epiphany, during a swimming event at Gazivode Lake, Milentije Jakšić from Kolašin unveiled a makeshift banner reading, “Students, God has appeared.” Jakšić declared his support for students, professors, workers, and farmers, saying, “Everything for the homeland, Serbia above all else.”
Additionally, over 360 professors and students from Kosovo have signed a petition backing the demands. Various groups have also voiced their support, including the Serbian People’s Movement, two opposition organizations—Otadžbina and the Serbian National Forum—and part of the National Theatre’s staff.
Widespread Protests and Strikes in Serbia
Protests and blockades continue across Serbia, now entering their second month. Citizens, students, and parts of the opposition are demanding both political and criminal accountability for the shelter collapse that killed 15 and injured two others.
This week, dozens of primary and secondary schools have also joined the protests, with educators demanding better conditions in education while standing with students. Calls for a 24-hour general strike are growing, as citizens push for justice and systemic change.
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