New protests in Sarajevo over tragic tram accident, organizers expect them to be the largest yet

(Patria) - After a two-day break, new large protests have been announced for tomorrow in Sarajevo due to the tragic tram accident in which Erdoan Morankić (23) from Brčko died, and four people were injured, the most seriously being Ella Jovanović (17).

Citizens have taken to the streets in recent days demanding accountability and full transparency regarding the circumstances of the accident that shook the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to the organizers' announcements, the new gathering is expected to bring together an even larger number of demonstrators.

In the meantime, information has been released that the camera from the tram involved in the tragic accident last Thursday will not be useful to investigators.

The Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor's Office has confirmed that forensic processing of the hard drive, seized from the driver's cabin, determined that there has been no recorded material on the device since November 29, 2025. The Prosecutor's Office is now determining the reasons why the video surveillance system was not functional.

The political consequences of the protests are already visible. The Election and Appointment Commission of the Sarajevo Canton Assembly unanimously accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Nihad Uk (NS), formally continuing the process of changing the current cantonal government.

At the same time, by order of the Municipal Court in Sarajevo, investigators of the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Internal Affairs, under the supervision of acting prosecutors, are seizing documentation from GRAS related to the use of tram number 516, complete technical documentation of all Czech trams, as well as certain personnel files of employees.

Ahead of tomorrow's gathering, the demonstrators presented their demands, which include the release of full and complete information about the investigation, including data on tram servicing and footage from the tram's camera at the time of the accident.

They are also demanding the complete withdrawal of all old trams from service until they undergo re-servicing, which has already been done, with public disclosure of data on their technical readiness. And there are also resignations, as well as the construction of quality and safe public transport.

Today, the Trade Union of the University of Sarajevo also issued a statement, calling on its members to join tomorrow's peaceful protest gathering of citizens, while respecting the principles of peaceful and dignified assembly.

"Dear colleagues, with deep regret and concern over the tragic tram accident that has shaken our city, we call on the members of the Trade Union of the University of Sarajevo to join the peaceful protest gathering of citizens.

This gathering represents an expression of solidarity with the victims and their families, but also a common demand for greater public transport safety, accountability of competent institutions, and urgent measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The academic community has a special social responsibility to react to issues of public interest, especially when the safety, dignity, and lives of our fellow citizens are threatened. Our presence is a message of solidarity, empathy, and civic responsibility.

We invite you to support this gathering with your presence, while respecting the principles of peaceful and dignified assembly," the Trade Union stated.

Tomorrow's gathering, according to announcements, is expected to be the largest yet. Like the previous ones, tomorrow's protests will begin at 12:00 PM in front of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina.