Tenth protest over tram accident ends in Sarajevo, organizers say they will not give up

The gathering began at noon in front of the National Museum, after which participants marched towards the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor’s Office and later to the Sebilj square in the city’s old town. The turnout was noticeably smaller than at previous protests, something organizers openly criticized.

For a month now, protesters have been demanding that the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor’s Office conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the accident. Their demands include establishing responsibility of authorities, ensuring safer public transport, and conducting an independent investigation with full public disclosure of its findings.

Despite the declining turnout, organizers stressed they will not stop until accountability is established and measures are taken to prevent similar tragedies.

“We will not give up the fight. We want to awaken awareness among people. We don’t need another tragedy,” protesters said.

Disappointment over low youth turnout

One of the speakers, Lamija Hadzimusic, expressed strong disappointment with the small number of young people attending the protest.

“It is devastating how few young people showed up, simply because they are lazy,” she told N1, adding that resignations by some officials have not brought real change.

“They resigned but are still working. It’s as if they never resigned at all – they are hiding behind technical mandates,” she said, calling it “shameful” that the resignation of the GRAS company director has not been accepted.

She also pointed to systemic corruption, saying that citizens expect concrete change but institutions are offering “not even the minimum.”

“Society tends to forget tragedies”

Another participant, Muamer Klico, said he was not surprised by the small number of protesters, describing it as a reflection of broader social attitudes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“In our society it almost becomes a rule that tragedies are forgotten quickly,” he said, warning that another tragedy somewhere in the country is almost inevitable if awareness does not change.

However, he expressed hope that civic awareness could gradually grow.

“The protests themselves are not the essence – the essence is the consciousness of the people,” Klico told N1.

Support from parents seeking justice

The protest was also attended by Amila Gadzun, the mother of Dzena Gadzun, whose death sparked a years-long fight for justice. She came to support the young organizers and highlight the broader issue of systemic accountability.

“For four years we have been fighting for justice. Our Dzena was killed by the system,” she told N1, adding that many more citizens should take to the streets.

“Not only those whose child was killed by the system, but also those who want to make sure the system does not kill theirs,” she said.

Gadzun warned that public attention often fades quickly, stressing the importance of supporting young activists who continue to organize protests.

“I fear continuity will be lost. People forget quickly. That’s why we must support the youth,” she said.

Despite the smaller turnout, participants emphasized that the struggle for accountability and safer public transport in Sarajevo will continue.