ºÃÉ«tv

“The whole of Serbia has risen,� protesting students said in a speech that was read at all the rallies at the same time. “There will be no more silence, there will be no more surrender!�

Many people in Serbia believe that the deadly Nov. 1 canopy collapse in Novi Sad was the result of flawed renovation work on the station building, and they link the disaster to alleged government corruption in major infrastructure projects with Chinese state companies.

Vucic, whom critics have accused of since coming to power over a decade ago, initially dismissed the possibility of holding early elections but on Friday suggested they could take place, though without saying exactly when.

Sunday's protests included commemoration ceremonies for the victims of the Novi Sad crash and student marches and blockades. In Belgrade, crowds halted traffic at two key bridges over the Sava River for three hours, while protesters in Novi Sad carried a white wreath for the canopy collapse victims as they walked toward the crash site.

Mina Miletic, from Belgrade, said she is encouraged by so many people fighting together for the same goal: “The rule of law and life in a decent country.�

Vucic has accused the protesters of working for unspecified Western powers to “destroy Serbia.� Pro-government media on Sunday described the blockades in Belgrade as “terror� and alleged falsely that “only a handful� of people joined the rallies.

Most media in Serbia are controlled by the ruling populists, often lashing out at government opponents and accusing them of anti-state activities.

The student movement is seeking a snap vote, arguing that the current government cannot meet their demands for justice for the crash victims. Presidential and parliamentary elections are otherwise due some time in 2027.

No one has been sentenced in connection with the tragedy in Novi Sad and doubts prevail that ongoing legal proceedings will uncover behind the crash.

Serbia is formally seeking European Union entry but the ruling populists have been accused of , including free media. Vucic's authorities have stepped up pressure on protesters, including police detentions, intimidation and physical attacks.