Wind of Revolt in the Balkans
Bosnia following the Serbian model
Four months after the deadly floods in Bosnia, students have taken to the streets, following the example of their Serbian counterparts, whose protest movement remains strong. With more than twenty deaths recorded on the night of October 3 to 4, 2024, they are now demanding full transparency regarding the management of the quarry collapse in Donja Jablanica, a small village east of Sarajevo.
The student collective is calling for an investigation and the prosecution of those responsible. They are also demanding a reassessment of operating permits granted to quarries and any activities posing risks to the environment or population. Furthermore, they urge the authorities to inform the public about the measures taken after the floods that caused 29 deaths in Donja Jablanica, Konjic, and Fojnica, and to ensure full transparency regarding the use of donations intended for the victims.
The parallels with the Serbian student uprising demanding justice after the collapse of the Novi Sad train station canopy are clear. Bosnian students openly acknowledge the courage of their Serbian counterparts, calling them an inspiration. In both countries, youth protests are backed by other segments of the population, including retirees.
