Serbian nightclubs join general strike amid student-led protests

Multiple Serbian nightclubs have thrown their support behind widespread anti-government corruption protests, which have culminated in calls for a “general strike” today, 24th January. 

Student-led protests have been mounting across the country since November, after the collapse of a concrete canopy at a railway station building in the northern city of Novi Sad killed 15 people, resulting in widespread accusations of government negligence and corruption. 

Following several vigils in Novi Sad in the aftermath of the tragic incident, rallies in the capital city of Belgrade have seen thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets demanding accountability for the collapse and in protest of what they describe as systemic violations of their civil rights. Classes at Serbia’s universities have been suspended for weeks, with students and faculty alike going on strike amid growing discontent with the increasingly authoritarian rule of President Aleksandar Vučić.

As Reuters reports, thousands of striking students have today seen on-the-ground support from teachers’ unions, bookstores, theatres and bars, with many businesses shutting for the day in support of their call for a general strike. Belgrade underground club Drugstore is among the nightlife venues to have vocalised its support to the protestors, cancelling its party scheduled for tonight (Friday, 24th January).

Other venues such as Karmakoma, 20/44 and KC Grad are also joining the strike, with each one cancelling events scheduled to take place tonight. 

The team behind Serbia’s EXIT Festival have also confirmed that they are participating in the strike as “a sign of support for students and their fight for a better society in our country”.

Serbia’s prosecutors have filed charges against 13 people, including a government minister and a number of state officials, over the collapse of the train station canopy. The government denies blame for the deaths.