Novi Sad Remembers 16 Victims 19 Months After Canopy Collapse, Demands Accountability

Novi Sad fell silent again at 11:52 AM, exactly 19 months after a canopy collapse claimed 16 lives. Residents have observed a moment of silence on the first day of each month to honor the victims.

"I know people close to those who died there, so it's terrible," said one resident. Another expressed frustration, "It's absolutely beyond reason. I don't know who failed, but I just want it brought to light. Even if Saint Peter is to blame, he should go to court."

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I know people close to those who died there, so it's terrible.

Student Kosta Golubović shared the sentiment of many Serbians, feeling "anxiety, perhaps bitterness, and also anger because this tragedy could have been easily avoided." He added, "19 months later, we still don't know the truth."

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It's absolutely beyond reason. I don't know who failed, but I just want it brought to light. Even if Saint Peter is to blame, he should go to court.

While three investigations and separate proceedings have been initiated, none have reached a judicial conclusion. The only final decisions so far involve "Infrastruktura železnice Srbije" and the Republic of Serbia paying compensation to the victims' families.

Journalist Nedim Sejdinović explained that the "TOK" (anti-corruption agency) had effectively identified direct culprits and the systemic corruption leading to the tragedy. However, he noted, "the group was later disbanded, and the authorities are doing everything to prevent prosecution."

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19 months later, we still don't know the truth.

Consequently, the message from those gathered remained consistent: "Novi Sad is known for remembering and not forgiving. We will gather every first day of the month, every Friday," stated Vladimir Jovanović of the Citizens' Assembly. He emphasized that the victims must not be forgotten and that responsibility must be clearly assigned.

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the group was later disbanded, and the authorities are doing everything to prevent prosecution.