Around 150 members of Malta’s Serbian community gathered near the Triton Fountain in Valletta on Saturday to mark one year since the Novi Sad railway station collapse, which killed 16 people, including four children.

The protest, held in solidarity with anti-government demonstrations in Serbia, was organised under the banner “Corruption kills, Serbia remembers 1:11.” The name refers to the date of the station’s canopy collapse.

Demonstrators around the world, including those in Malta, observed a 16-minute silence in honour of the victims.

The tragedy, which occurred on November 1 last year, sparked a student-led movement against corruption and impunity within the Aleksandar Vučić-led Serbian government. It culminated in March with more than 300,000 people marching to Belgrade, the largest demonstration in Serbia’s history.

Members of the community standing in solidarity with the student demonstrators back in Serbia. Photo: Matthew MirabelliMembers of the community standing in solidarity with the student demonstrators back in Serbia. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

One of the Valletta protest’s organisers, Ljiljana Kričković, said the past year had seen both growing support for the movement and increased repression.

“The last year has been a marathon for demonstrators and while the support for the movement just grows, so does the repression,” Kričković said.

No official has been held accountable for the Novi Sad collapse to date, while repression of students, professors, journalists and citizens continues, she said. 

The long march of demonstrators in Serbia making their way to Novi Sad. Photo: The Student Blockade Social MediaThe long march of demonstrators in Serbia making their way to Novi Sad. Photo: The Student Blockade Social Media

“We need to stand behind them and support them because they are bravely fighting not just for their future but to change the country for the better,” she said.

Protesters in Malta read out a message from the student movement addressed to the diaspora.

“The collapse of the canopy exposed a shattered system, but also a moment of awakening. We, the students, stand firm and do not look away. We do not forget. We stand resolute, together, for those who are no longer with us and for those who are yet to come,” it read.

“Together, we create a voice that is stronger than fear and indifference. Only through unity can we build a society where no one is lost due to negligence again, where justice and accountability are not a luxury, but the norm.”