Serbia: Six Arrests in Novi Sad Tragedy Investigation

Six people have been arrested in Serbia in connection with the tragedy at the Novi Sad railway station, where 16 people died in November 2024. Among those arrested are a former minister and a deputy minister. Another former minister is wanted.

The arrested individuals are suspected of financial irregularities, with the aim of obtaining personal gain, which caused damage to the budget amounting to $115 million. The arrests were ordered by the general prosecutor's office for organized crime, which is investigating possible corruption during the reconstruction of the railway network.

Tomislav Momirovic, Minister of Construction and Infrastructure from 2020-2022, was arrested at Belgrade airport. Police attempted to arrest Goran Vesic, also a former minister, but he was not at his home. The deputy minister of the same ministry was also arrested.

The tragedy in Novi Sad, where 16 people lost their lives due to a roof collapse on November 1, 2024, has caused reactions and demonstrations by students.

Today, on the nine-month anniversary of the tragedy, memorial gatherings will be held in Novi Sad and other cities in Serbia.