Twelve individuals have been detained in Serbia following the Nov. 1 roof collapse at a Novi Sad train station that resulted in 15 deaths and severe injuries to two others. Prosecutors indicated the suspects face charges related to committing criminal acts against public security, public endangerment, and negligent construction. A 13th suspect remains at large. Former construction minister Goran Vesic, who resigned after the incident, was among those detained.
The station was built in 1964 and recently renovated twice under a deal with Chinese companies. Many in Serbia feel corruption and a lack of transparency led to shoddy construction work, and that the collapse was a result of that. Opposition figures have expressed skepticism over the arrests. "They [prosecutors] have avoided mentioning the deaths of the people and corruption and those are key," said Borislav Novakovic, a former mayor of Novi Sad. "For the past 20 days all suspects could influence witnesses, tamper with evidence, and alter documentation."
Unrest has gripped Novi Sad, as opposition supporters on Wednesday clashed with police for the third consecutive day, demanding accountability for the tragedy and the release of detained activists. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic condemned the protests, labeling them as acts of "terror" and violent instigation by political adversaries. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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