Thousands flooded the streets of Serbia’s capital in a noisy support rally for protesting university students and their monthslong struggle against corruption and for changes in the Balkan country.
Belgrade residents organized in five columns from various parts of the city before marching to a key intersection where striking students have been holding their daily protest blockades for more than two months.
Students have faced attacks during the blockades and pressure from the populist authorities of President Aleksandar Vucic, who has accused them of acting under foreign orders and against Serbia’s interests.
With their demands for justice over the collapse of a concrete canopy that killed 15 people in November, striking students have gained significant support from citizens disillusioned with politicians and distrustful of state institutions.
Student rallies have drawn tens of thousands of people from all walks of life, becoming a challenge for Vucic’s firm grip on power in Serbia. The next big rally is planned for March 1 in the southern city of Nis.
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