Protesters blocked a courthouse in Serbia’s Novi Sad on November 19, demanding justice over a deadly roof collapse earlier this month that killed 15 people and injured two. The blockade, led by opposition lawmakers and city councillors, escalated into a tense standoff with riot police, reflecting mounting public anger over the tragedy. 

The incident, which occurred at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1, has sparked a series of protests against Serbia’s government. Critics allege that corruption and substandard renovation work were to blame for the collapse. 

In Novi Sad on November 17, protesters blocked an intersection near the railway station for hours, demanding accountability. Activists displayed a large banner depicting a bleeding white dove and red handprints.

"This is not just about the roof; it’s about systemic corruption and a lack of accountability," said an opposition leader at the rally. 

Protesters gathered again outside the courthouse early on November 19, calling for the immediate release of activists detained during earlier demonstrations and the prosecution of those responsible for the collapse. Riot police formed a barricade at the courthouse entrance, pushing back protesters in a confrontation that led to occasional skirmishes. 

Opposition MP Marinika Tepic accused authorities of suppressing dissent while failing to hold those responsible for the roof collapse accountable. “We demand the release of those detained after the protests and for those guilty of the tragedy to face justice,” Tepic said, alleging that police used excessive force, kicking protesters and threatening them. 

Borislav Novakovic, another opposition leader, echoed Tepic’s demands: “Those who are guilty must go to prison, and those jailed for seeking justice must be released.” 

The Serbian justice ministry condemned the courthouse blockade, calling it “an unprecedented obstruction of justice” and accusing protesters of exerting undue pressure on prosecutors and judges. 

The blockade ended late afternoon on November 19 but will resume early on November 20, with opposition lawmakers inviting colleagues from across Serbia to join the demonstration. The protesters vowed to continue protesting until their demands are met. 

The roof collapse at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1 claimed 15 lives, with critics blaming systemic corruption and poorly executed renovations. The tragedy has fuelled public outrage, with large protests erupting on November 5 and November 11 and ongoing clashes between activists and authorities. 

Despite promises of a thorough investigation and the resignation of Serbia’s construction minister, no arrests or formal charges have been made, further fuelling tensions.