Serbia’s striking university students protested outside the Constitutional Court in Belgrade on Sunday, citing civil rights violations under the populist government and secret service pressure.

The rally began with a 15-minute silent commemoration for victims of a canopy collapse in Novi Sad, which killed 14 people and sparked daily anti-corruption protests.

A similar rally was held in the southern city of Nis.

Students blame corruption and sloppy renovation work for the collapse and have demanded accountability.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has faced criticism for curbing democratic freedoms while tightening his grip on power.

Students reported state security pressure and accused pro-government media of publishing personal data with secret service involvement.

The protests, widely supported by the public, are the strongest challenge to Vucic’s rule in 13 years, the Associated Press has reported.

Prosecutors have charged 13 people over the collapse, including a government minister, but questions remain about the probe’s independence.

Written by B.C. Begley