A year after the tragic Novi Sad train station collapse claimed 16 lives, including her son Stefan, Dijana Hrka has emerged as a powerful voice demanding justice and accountability from the Serbian government. Her unwavering defiance has ignited countrywide anti-government protests, exposing deep-seated public anger over alleged corruption and rattling the firm rule of President Aleksandar Vucic.
The lives of Dijana Hrka and many others were irrevocably shattered on November 1st last year when a catastrophic train station canopy collapse in Novi Sad, Serbia, resulted in the deaths of 16 people. Among the victims was Hrka’s 27-year-old son, Stefan, who had simply been waiting to pick someone up on what was described as a sunny day. This devastating event, where tons of concrete fell without warning, has since transformed into a focal point for national discontent and a symbol of what many Serbians view as systemic corruption within the government of President Aleksandar Vucic.
The Tragic Catalyst: A Day That Changed Everything
The partial building collapse at the Novi Sad railway station was not just a local tragedy; it quickly escalated into a national crisis, sparking widespread anti-government protests. Dijana Hrka, 47, has become an extraordinary figure in this movement, a rare family member of the victims willing to speak out publicly against powerful forces. Her poignant appearances at rallies, met with applause from thousands of mostly young people, underscore the deep public mistrust in authorities and accusations of corruption, particularly in construction and public works, as reported by The Associated Press.
Remembering her son, Hrka described the day as “the worst day of my life.” Stefan, along with 15 others, including children, had no chance of survival when the structure gave way. Only one woman survived with severe injuries. The tragedy brought into sharp relief simmering public grievances regarding infrastructure safety and government oversight.
A Mother’s Defiance and a Nation’s Outcry
On the upcoming anniversary of the collapse, November 1st, tens of thousands of protesters, including Hrka, are expected to converge in Novi Sad. This movement has significantly challenged President Vucic’s rule, with authorities struggling to contain the growing discontent. Hrka’s demands extend beyond justice for the immediate victims; she also seeks accountability for the numerous individuals who have been detained or lost their jobs as part of a government crackdown on the protests.
“Authorities have been arresting innocent children… but no one has been held responsible for the deaths of 16 people under the canopy,” a tearful Hrka told The Associated Press. Her challenge to those in power is direct and piercing: “I would like them to come and look me in the eyes. I would ask them: Where is justice?”
The Shadow of Corruption and Unanswered Questions
The anniversary protest aims to intensify pressure on Vucic, urging him to call for early parliamentary elections, a key demand of the protest movement. Additionally, protesters insist on the punishment of those responsible for the accident. A judicial inquiry has been initiated, and prosecutors have charged 13 people, including engineers and government officials. However, a trial date remains unset, fueling skepticism among many Serbians who fear the proceedings may not fully expose the alleged corruption believed to underpin the disregard for safety and construction regulations.
This incident is not isolated, but rather plays into a broader narrative of public frustration with perceived government mismanagement and corruption under President Vucic. Protests against his administration have become a recurrent feature of the Serbian political landscape, often fueled by various grievances ranging from electoral integrity to environmental concerns, as documented by various international news outlets like Reuters.
Escalating Tensions and a Defiant Student Movement
While the upcoming event is intended as a memorial, there are significant concerns about potential violence. Past rallies have seen police deploying tear gas and clashing with protesters. The political climate is further complicated by Vucic’s right-wing Serbian Progressive Party organizing counter-rallies. A recent shooting at a tent camp hosting Vucic’s supporters in Belgrade, which injured one person, heightened fears of political violence. Vucic himself labeled the incident a “politically motivated act of terrorism.”
Despite most rallies remaining peaceful, Vucic has, without providing evidence, publicly branded protesters as “terrorists” acting under Western influence. Pro-government media and officials frequently echo these accusations, further polarizing the public discourse.
A significant aspect of the current movement is the participation of university students, who have been trekking and cycling across the country to join the Novi Sad protest. Their journey has been met with public support, with people lining roads to greet them along the way. Hrka draws strength from this youth movement, stating she disregards the threats she receives for backing the students. “Once you lose what is dearest to your heart, you lose fear,” she affirmed.
She credits the young people for helping her navigate the profound grief of losing her son. “I feel better every time I see that beauty and youth, I even smile with them,” Hrka shared with The Associated Press. “I hope my Stefan is proud of me and of what I am doing.” Her resolute quest for justice has galvanized a nation, transforming personal tragedy into a collective demand for transparency and accountability.
