Grieving mother continues hunger strike: My people are with me, I want no violence

On November 1, 2024, a concrete canopy at the recently renovated Novi Sad Train Station collapsed, claiming 16 lives.

Since Sunday, when Dijana Hrka began the strike in protest of unfulfilled student demands, she has been joined by citizens offering their support. Meanwhile, police continue to secure the pro-regime tent camp outside the Serbian Parliament building, colloquially known as Caciland.

Incidents have been reported over the past three evenings, with government supporters playing loud music, oblivious to the grieving mother’s pain.

Hrka told N1 on Tuesday that she was doing well and that “her people are with her.” She emphasized her rejection of violence. “We don’t want violence, people are here to support me, they are chanting my name, I don’t want anyone to get hurt. Those across from us are rude, they are throwing water bottles, fireworks, I don’t know how this will end,” she said.

Renowned Serbian basketball player and activist Vladimir Stimac joined the crowd supporting Hrka at the Serbian Parliament building Tuesday evening, having been released from detention earlier in the day. He had been detained on Sunday night into Monday near the Serbian state TV (RTS) building.

Dijana Hrka began her hunger strike on Sunday, November 2, at 11:52 am - the exact time when the canopy collapsed - following a large commemorative rally in Novi Sad marking the anniversary of the tragedy. She has been denied access to the area directly in front of the Parliament building.