Key Highlights:

• Massive anti-corruption protests engulfed Belgrade, with estimates of up to 325,000 participants.
• The protests were sparked by the tragic roof collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad, resulting in 15 deaths.
• Demonstrators from diverse backgrounds unite for justice and accountability against alleged government corruption.
• Peaceful protests were momentarily marred by incidents, but security forces reported no major casualties.

On March 15, Belgrade witnessed unprecedented anti-corruption protests, drawing between Le Monde estimates of 100,000 and around 300,000 protestors according to independent sources. These rallies mark the fifth month of sustained student-led resistance against the administration of President Aleksandar Vucic, who has faced severe criticism following the tragic collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad that claimed 15 lives last November.

The demonstrations are notable not just for their size but also for the diverse participation from across society. Protestors were unified by a shared mandate— “We will no longer allow corruption to endanger anyone's life,” proclaimed a student speaker, referencing the catastrophic events of Novi Sad which have fueled long-standing anger against the government’s alleged negligence.

Photos and reports indicated that the peaceful atmosphere was momentarily disrupted by confrontations between demonstrators and government supporters, leading to isolated incidents where bottles and stones were thrown, but these did not escalate into significant violence. Organizers had urged participants to maintain decorum and exit the parliament area after security concerns arose according to Al Jazeera.

Many protestors held banners with slogans such as “He's Finished,” directed at President Vucic. The rally echoed sentiments from the 1990s protests against former dictator Slobodan Milosevic, illustrating the deep-rooted frustrations faced by a population tired of enduring systemic corruption and autocratic governance.

The protest, touted as one of the largest in Serbia’s recent history, reflected a collective demand for radical reforms. “Our gatherings represent a culmination of dissatisfaction with years of dictatorship and lawlessness,” said Ognjen Djordjevic, a participant in the rally, highlighting the wide-ranging support for the movement across age groups and political beliefs. As researchers and analysts monitor the implications of these demonstrations, local and national leaders face increasing scrutiny and pressure.Source.

As the protests continue to develop, the government's response remains crucial, with Vucic emphasizing during a national address that he would not allow public protests to dictate political rules, asserting, "I will not be pressured." The calls for accountability and transparency resonate strongly, indicating that public sentiment is shifting and the prospect of change is palpable among the populace as they march towards a more transparent and just governance.