Today's protests in Sarajevo ended, new ones scheduled for tomorrow at 12:00

(Patria) - Citizens of Sarajevo gathered again today in front of the National Museum to protest the tram accident that occurred on Thursday in the immediate vicinity of the gathering place, reports Faktor.

At that time, a tram derailed, crossed over part of the tram station, and veered onto the roadway.

On that occasion, a young man, Erdoan Morankić (23), was killed, while four people were injured, among them a 17-year-old girl who sustained life-threatening injuries.

The first gathering was called by the Academy of Fine Arts, which the deceased Morankić attended.

Today was the third protest, but this time not organized by the informal citizens' group "Reci dosta". This group issued a statement informing the public that it was not behind today's protests.

Today, fewer people turned out for the protests compared to the previous two, which gathered several thousand citizens. One of the reasons for the lower turnout is likely the rain that has been falling since the early morning hours.

Young people carried banners reading "Do you care about us", "Safety has become a luxury", "The system is lying to you". Some carried photos of Erdoan Morankić, who died in the tram accident.

Those gathered blocked the Zmaja od Bosne roadway and the tram line at the section where the accident occurred on February 12.

- We came to support the driver, who is most likely not guilty, but is clearly the weakest link in the entire system - said one of those present.

Among those gathered were mostly young people, high school students, and there were also elementary school students. A letter of support was read at the gathering for the student of the Catholic School Center who was seriously injured in the tram accident.

- If you can hear us, we are your people. You were supposed to be with us, laughing, and now you are fighting for breath, for life. We know what you are like, braver than you think. The one who says: "I can do it." You can, because we are waiting for you.

We are with you every second, in prayer. Our question is how it is possible that such things happen, we demand accountability and that no child leaves home and does not return. We love you and are waiting for you - the students of the Catholic School Center from Sarajevo sent a message.



At 12:25, those gathered observed a minute of silence for Morankić.

Admir Vatreš, a GRAS driver, addressed the crowd, coming with his colleagues to support driver Adnan Kasapović, who was driving the tram that derailed.

- First of all, we express our condolences to those who lost a family member in this accident, and wishes for recovery to those who were injured, as well as to everyone who experienced trauma from this tram accident.

We do not want to send political or other messages, but we demand that the case be legally concluded, so that this does not happen again tomorrow. Does anyone ask how we drivers feel these days, under what pressure we drive when even the birds on the branches know that our colleague is not guilty of the accident.

Let it be investigated why the vehicle went out of control at enormous speed, rather than making a hasty decision against the driver, a one-month detention. The man was just doing his job.

Let it be determined how the tram could have reached such speed. On the same day, three hours earlier, we had the same case, but thank God without human casualties.

Our colleague Adnan is an exemplary driver who has been doing this job for 20 years, and he is a man who spent most of his working time driving the "one" line on the route from the Railway Station to Baščaršija. Even the birds on the branches know he is not guilty, and it is irresponsible for everything to be broken over his back - Vatreš said.

Then those present shouted words of support for tram driver Adnan Kasapović - "Justice for Adnan".

After that, they headed towards the General Hospital, where the seriously injured 17-year-old girl is lying. There, they left banners with messages of support. Then they returned to the roadway at Marijin Dvor and blocked it.

They then came to the building of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they continued shouting "Justice", "All for one, one for all"...

Shortly before 2:00 PM, the gathered citizens arrived in front of the Cantonal Court in Sarajevo, where they shouted "You are not alone, Adnan" and "Justice for Adnan".

After 2:00 PM, part of the demonstrators went towards the Eternal Flame, while the other part remained in front of the court. Someone among those present then announced that the Court would not order detention for Kasapović, and that his release was expected. Those gathered greeted this news with applause and loud approval.

In the end, Kasapović was released, shortly before 2:30 PM.

At that moment, the Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton, Nihad Uk, announced his resignation. Thus, today's protests ended, and new ones are scheduled for tomorrow at 12:00 in front of the National Museum.