Serbian court frees ex-minister detained over deadly roof collapse

Serbian opposition supporters scuffle with police officers during a protest over the fatal collapse of a roof at a railway station, demanding that those responsible for the disaster be brought to justice, in front of a court house in Novi Sad, Serbia, November 21, 2024. Marko Djurica/File Photo

BELGRADE - A Serbian higher court on Wednesday released former minister Goran Vesic, who had been detained last Thursday in connection with the collapse of a railway station roof that killed 15 people and sparked a wave of protests.

The concrete awning of the recently renovated roof caved in on Nov. 1 in Novi Sad, killing 14 and injuring three. One of those hurt later died of their injuries.

Opposition leaders and the public have taken to the streets repeatedly, blaming the accident on government corruption and nepotism that resulted in shoddy construction.

The ruling coalition denies those charges, but President Aleksandar Vucic said those responsible must be held to account.

Last Thursday, 11 people including Vesic and the head of the railway company were detained on suspicion of committing a criminal act against public safety.

But on Wednesday, the Higher Court in Novi Sad said in a statement it had "lifted detention" for Vesic since evidence presented by the prosecutors did not show reasonable grounds for suspecting that he had committed a criminal offence.

Vesic resigned immediately after the disaster in Novi Sad. Trade Minister Tomislav Momirovic, who was transport and infrastructure minister at the time of the railway station reconstruction, resigned as well.

The other 10 people remain in detention, including two, both women, who have been placed under house arrest.

(Reporting by Ivana Sekularac; Editing by Alex Richardson)