Serbia: Under The Canopy

This BBC World Service documentary explores the aftermath of the November 1, 2024, collapse of the canopy at Novi Sad train station, which killed 16 people and shattered the sense of safety in Serbia. Journalist Jill McGivering reports from Serbia, weaving personal testimonies from survivors and families—particularly Diana Hrke, whose son Stefan died—into a broader narrative about systemic corruption, political repression, and the fragile state of democracy. The disaster ignited nationwide protests led by students and activists, demanding accountability and justice, but the government’s response has been marked by silence, intimidation, and the marginalization of dissent. Despite the fading momentum of mass demonstrations, resistance persists through quiet acts of remembrance, like the weekly 16-minute silence, and through defiant cultural expressions such as protest songs sung by pensioners. The episode reveals a country deeply divided, where the ruling party, led by Aleksandar Vučić, dismisses protests as foreign-backed destabilization while critics face smear campaigns, job loss, and threats. The EU has condemned Serbia’s democratic backsliding, yet hopes for change remain pinned on upcoming elections, which many fear will not be free or fair. The story is one of grief, resilience, and the enduring fight for truth in the face of institutional denial.