Thousands on the streets of Ljubljana demand mayor's apology for supporting Vučić

(Patria) - Several thousand people gathered today in Ljubljana to show support for students in Serbia and demand that Mayor Zoran Janković publicly apologize for his support of the Serbian authorities.

The gathering, called "Ljubljana Rises," began at 11:52 a.m. in front of the Serbian Embassy with a moment of silence in memory of the 15 victims of the concrete canopy collapse at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1.

Those gathered then proceeded to the Ljubljana City Municipality, where organizers submitted four demands. Fifteen chairs were placed in front of the City Hall in memory of those killed in Novi Sad.

The Mayor of Ljubljana is required to issue a public apology to students in Serbia, as well as to citizens and students in Ljubljana.

It is also demanded that Janković publicly express support for students in Serbia who have been blocking faculties for months, dissatisfied with the work of institutions, and that members of the City Council publicly state their positions on the protests in Serbia.

One of the demands is that Janković not call for elections in Serbia until all student demands are met.

In recent days, Janković has repeatedly expressed support for Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and even sent him an official letter of support.

In the letter of support that Janković sent to Vučić on January 30, it is stated that at a time when Serbia is facing numerous challenges, he "wishes to express sincere support and recognition for everything he has done for the development and stability of the country."

The Mayor of Ljubljana, as announced by the press service of the Serbian President, called on Vučić in the letter to "continue the path of a strong, independent, and developed Serbia."

"If I can help in any way, I am always at your disposal. May you not run out of strength and perseverance. Serbia needs you," the letter from the Mayor of Ljubljana stated.

In Serbia, protests by students and citizens have been ongoing for three months, insisting on establishing political and criminal responsibility for the deaths of 15 people and the serious injury of two others in the canopy collapse in Novi Sad.

Students are blocking more than 60 faculties across the country, and their demands have been supported by educators, lawyers, farmers, actors, and other citizens.

While officials claim that all student demands have been met, academics deny this and continue with the blockades.