UN slams inaction on deadly Serbian station collapse

The United Nations on Wednesday slammed the lack of accountability in a deadly railway station collapse in Serbia, one year on from the tragedy that triggered mass protests.

UN rights chief Volker Turk demanded renewed efforts to investigate responsibility, saying it was crucial to restore public trust in institutions and uphold the rule of law.

"There has been no meaningful process to uncover the truth and seek justice for the tragedy that resulted in the deaths of 16 people at the Novi Sad railway station. This, despite the ongoing demands from tens of thousands of individuals who have taken to the streets, calling for justice," Turk said in a statement.

"Even worse, many allegations of violent attacks and arbitrary arrests of peaceful protesters and journalists during demonstrations have not been investigated and remain unpunished. On the contrary, such incidents continue to recur."

On Saturday, more than 100,000 Serbians marked the first anniversary of the incident in Novi Sad, which shocked the Balkan nation.

A few weeks after the renovation of the building, the station canopy collapsed on November 1, 2024, in an accident that critics said was a symbol of Serbia's entrenched corruption, eventually leading to the collapse of the government.

Saturday's protests called for fresh elections.

The mother of one victim of the accident has been on hunger strike in front of the parliament since Sunday, and hundreds of well-wishers have visited her to offer support.

Turk called for prompt, transparent, independent, and effective investigations into the accident, as legal proceedings against those allegedly responsible have stalled, the statement said.

He also called for similar investigations into all allegations of arbitrary arrests and detentions, and the unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by law enforcement during protests.

"The full enjoyment of rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental to a well-functioning, democratic society, and become especially vital in a deeply polarised environment," said Turk.

The UN high commissioner for human rights stressed the importance of judicial independence, free from political pressure and seen to be so.

"This is the only way to maintain people's trust in the rule of law," he said.

Serbia is a candidate to join the European Union and in a progress report released on Tuesday, the European Commission recommended that Belgrade "reduce political interference in the judiciary and prosecution services".