NOVI SAD, Serbia (Reuters) -Thousands of Serbian opposition backers rallied on Tuesday in the northwestern city of Novi Sad in a violent protest over a deadly accident at a local railway station, for which they blame negligence and corruption by the government.
The disaster happened on Friday when roofing along the entrance to the station suddenly collapsed, killing 14 people and severely injuring three.
Police used pepper spray to disperse the crowd, after protesters broke windows at the entrance of the 19th-century city hall in the city centre, threw flares and firecrackers inside and spilled liquid manure from a cistern.
Earlier, masked demonstrators hurled eggs, bottles and bricks at an office of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
“People are very angry … this is a great sorrow,” said Radomir Lazovic, an opposition parliamentary deputy who joined the protest.
Rally organizers later said rioters belonged to groups of provocateurs.
“Rioters have been infiltrated, they are attacking the police and they don’t arrest them,” Marinika Tepic, a opposition parliamentary deputy told private N1 TV station.
Protesters carried banners reading “The blood is on your hands,” and “You will answer for this,” and chanted “Thieves,” and “Arrest (President Aleksandar) Vucic”.
Police in full riot gear also cordoned-off other state and municipal offices in the city centre.
In a post on his Instagram profile, Vucic said “The police are very restrained, but don’t think that violence is allowed. Those who participated (in violence) will be … prosecuted.”
Serbia’s opposition politicians, activists and rights groups accuse authorities loyal to Vucic and his SINS party of rampant corruption, ties with organised crime, nepotism and excessive red tape. Vucic and his allies deny such allegations.
On Monday, Serbian Transport Minister Goran Vesic resigned over the incident.
Prosecutors said they have questioned 48 people so far, including Vesic, and secured evidence relevant for the investigation.
(Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Sandra Maler)
