Sarajevo youth reinforce stance on fifth day of protests

Samir, one of the participants, told N1 that the gatherings will continue with the same intensity regardless of the circumstances. Although the turnout was lower today compared to previous days, those present emphasized that the smaller crowd does not signal a loss of momentum.

"Schools are closing and not allowing students to go out; that is why there are fewer of us, but it means nothing. We will be as loud as we were yesterday," the protesters stated.

Tuesday’s protest is partly focused on the actions of the relevant minister, Naida Hota-Muminovic. Protesters accused her of "putting padlocks and chains on entrances" and preventing students from exercising their right to protest.

Previously, students and citizens gathered around the initiatives "hocel.ta.promjena" and "pravda.promjena.ba" stated that they will not stop until their conditions are fully met. These four immutable demands of the youth include:

• Full transparency: Publication of all vehicle maintenance data and access to video footage of the accident.
• Vehicle safety: Permanent removal of unsafe trams until their functionality is proven.
• Responsibility: Resignations of everyone in the decision-making chain (a process that has already begun with the fall of the Government and the director of GRAS).
• Systemic solution: Construction of a modern and safe transport system that will no longer take lives.

When asked about the next steps and expectations from the authorities, the demonstrators were clear. "We will demand written resignations from the authorities. While they are still in their positions, we want them to finish and fix the city's public transport system. They should finish that and then leave," they stated.

Regarding the upcoming elections, the protesters expressed skepticism toward the current political landscape. "We expect more young people, but I also think we won't achieve much in the next elections; it is the same personnel, and everything just goes in circles. We are not for any party, neither the government nor the opposition, nor will we vote for them. We are not partisan; we are dissatisfied people and do not want to talk about elections," they added.

The protesters noted that their specific demands may evolve in response to statements from the government, but they assured the public that all updates will be shared in a timely manner.