**Thousands Take to the Streets in Zrenjanin, Demanding Justice and Accountability**
In a powerful display of unity and determination, students from Mihajlo Pupin University Technical School, along with citizens of Zrenjanin, took to the streets on Thursday for a day-long protest against corruption, environmental degradation, and lack of accountability. The event was a resounding success, with thousands participating in the peaceful demonstrations.
The protesters’ demands were clear: they wanted answers for the tragic deaths of 16 people at the Novi Sad Railway Station, an end to corruption that has plagued the country for far too long, and justice for those responsible. To drive their message home, the students set up a “Pillar of Shame” outside the Serbian Presidency building, a bold move that drew condemnation from some quarters.
But the protesters were undeterred. With music, noise-making, and demonstrations galore, they made their voices heard across the city. Local theater actors performed, while concerts by the Beogradski Sindikat band kept the crowd energized throughout the day. Farmers on tractors even joined in, highlighting the ongoing problem of drinking water supply that has plagued Zrenjanin for over 20 years.
**Young and Old Unite in Protest**
What’s remarkable about this protest is the sheer breadth of support it received. Zrenjanin high school students joined their older counterparts to show solidarity with their demands. As the protesters marched through the city, stopping at seven institutions along the way, it was clear that this was a movement driven by people from all walks of life.
The protest started at the railway station, where the tragic deaths of 16 people still linger in the collective memory. The protesters observed 16 minutes of silence to pay tribute to those victims, a poignant reminder of what’s at stake here. The march ended with a visit to the hospital, highlighting another critical issue that needs to be addressed.
**A New Era for Protest and Activism?**
As I watched this story unfold, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of optimism about the future of protest and activism in Serbia. For too long, it’s seemed like protests have been met with resistance or even violence from authorities. But here, in Zrenjanin, something different is happening.
This protest was a coming-of-age moment for many young people who are demanding justice and accountability. They’re refusing to be silenced by the status quo, choosing instead to stand up for their rights and fight for a better future. Whether this movement will ultimately succeed remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: it marks an important turning point in Serbia’s history.
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