Appeals court confirms indictment for Novi Sad Railway Station tragedy

The Novi Sad Court of Appeals has upheld an indictment against six individuals implicated in the Novi Sad Railway Station tragedy, a disaster that resulted in 16 fatalities. The collapse of a concrete canopy at the station's entrance in November 2024 sparked widespread public outcry and anti-corruption protests led by university students.

The appeals court's ruling reverses a previous decision by the Higher Court, which had sought to end proceedings against several state and railway company officials, including the former Minister of Construction, Traffic and Infrastructure, Goran Vesic. The Higher Public Prosecutor had appealed this decision, and the Court of Appeals has now sided with the prosecution.

This confirmation of the indictment means that a trial can move forward to determine accountability for the tragedy. A total of 13 people are now set to face trial under the original charges, following the court's rejection of appeals filed by lawyers for seven other defendants. The proceedings aim to establish responsibility for the fatal incident at the newly reconstructed station.