Chain of Tragedies : A Clear Need for Policy Changes

In May 2023, Serbia faced an unprecedented tragedy—two mass shootings within just 48 hours. These horrific events left many wounded and 18 dead, most of them children. One of the shooters was 13 years old, the youngest mass school shooter in the world's records. These shook the nation to its core. A year later another Serbia faced another devastating tragedy when a large stone terrace collapsed at a station in Novi Sad, resulting in the deaths of 14 people. This incident further underscores the precariousness of public safety in the country and highlights the systemic failures that contribute to such tragedies. Just like the shootings, this event raises crucial questions about accountability, particularly regarding the maintenance of public spaces and public safety.

As society grapples with both the emotional and practical implications of these tragedies, it becomes clear that there is a pressing need for comprehensive reforms not only in addressing violence but also in enhancing safety standards across public infrastructure.

Violence issues

Every day new crimes arise and the ongoing crisis of violence—both in schools and society at large—highlights an urgent need for policy changes.

Media

A critical issue that has emerged is the role of the media in perpetuating violence. In Serbia, violent reality shows have been identified as a factor in desensitizing youth to aggression. Studies indicate that repeated exposure to violent media can influence vulnerable individuals—especially adolescents—leading to increased aggressive behavior. Furthermore there are no comprehensive data on hate speech but there is a persisting hate speech in political and other public discourse, in particular online. Journalists and media workers (25.2%) together with politicians, state officials and political parties (24.3%), make up almost half of the perpetrators of hate speech (ECRI report, page 15).

Mental Health Support

While approximately 73.9% of schools in Serbia have access to psychologists—a figure comparable to other European nations—it is insufficient given the scale of violence. Children now live in fear of attending school, with rising incidents of violence including stabbings and shootings. Internationally, countries like the UK and Sweden have implemented more comprehensive mental health interventions in schools. These include universal programs and targeted support for at-risk youth—approaches.

Femicide 

8 out of 10 victims in the elementary school shooting in Serbia were girls. Beyond schools, violence is pervasive, particularly concerning femicide. By August 2023, there had been 24 reported femicides—a significant rate for a country with a population of just 6.6 million. This alarming statistic highlights a broader culture of violence where systemic and intimate partner violence persist. In the period January-July 2023, Serbia registered an alarmingly high number of femicides - 23. Moreover, 1 in 3 women in Serbia has been exposed to physical violence (UNDP, page 16). 

Gun homicide 

Generally number of gun homicides is very high comparing to other european countries. 

Children and domestic  violence

Research evidence indicates that violence against children in Serbia is widespread in different forms. In a 2013 survey 44% of students reported that they were exposed to peer-to-peer violence in the three-month period preceding the survey. In 2010 the state has adopted strategies and actions plans with promise to reform laws (UNICEF report, page 7) but constant issues with domestic violence persist.  

Lack of support and direction

Schools were not stopped until June, even classes in the school where the shooting happened. No memorial center has been done, no programs or official events around the tragedy have been officially organized, except for the once done by the efforts of families of the victims. These families, surviving victims and communities reported no support, not financial nor psychological, or of any kind. Furthermore In 2023, a criminal complaint was filed accusing 24 NGOs for allegedly misusing millions of euros that were intended for violence-related workshops and activities, but were reportedly not used as intended.

Infrastructure collapsing

A devastating incident unfolded in Novi Sad on November 1, 2023, when a roof collapsed at the entrance of the railway station, tragically claiming the lives of at least 14 individuals. This catastrophic event ignited a wave of grief and anger within the community, leading to widespread protests as thousands rallied in remembrance of the victims.

Insufficient Maintenance

Reports indicate that the terrace was part of a recently renovated train station. Concerns have been raised about maintenance oversight and whether there were adequate safety inspections during and after construction.

Opacity in Contracting Practices

Construction and renovation awarded to private companies lacked transparency. There are concerns regarding the bidding processes, which may not have adhered to standards that would ensure quality work and safety compliance.

Political Pressures

Potential rushing infrastructure projects to meet electoral timelines and political agendas can result in compromised safety standards. The push to complete the station renovations ahead of major events in Novi Sad may have led to issues being overlooked.

Regulatory Oversight Failures

The regulatory framework governing public construction projects in Serbia has faced criticism for being weak and poorly enforced. Insufficient oversight can lead to substandard building practices and failure to uphold safety regulations.

No accountability 

Despite the enormity of all these events, no comprehensive explanation or official report has been released. In the case of the shootings, all processes are closed to the public, and while the second shooter faces a prison sentence of up to 20 years, no high-ranking officials, ministers, or school administrators have taken responsibility. Moreover, the elementary school shooter, being under the age of criminal responsibility, will not face trial. In the case of the newly renovated train station, a minister of construction, transport, and infrastructure resigned but stated he does not feel responsible. Following the tragedy, public outrage has grown, with citizens demanding accountability from government officials. No one else has accepted responsibility or has been so far prosecuted for all the tragedies.

The Need for Global Cooperation and International Attention

The tragedies of May 2023 should not be viewed solely as Serbian issues; youth violence, mass shootings, and gender-based violence are global challenges that demand international attention. Organizations like UNICEF and UNESCO must assist countries like Serbia in creating comprehensive mental health programs, regulating media content, and implementing stricter gun control measures. Other nations offer valuable lessons:

• Australia: After the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, Australia implemented comprehensive gun control measures that banned semi-automatic firearms and introduced a national buyback program. This led to a significant drop in firearm-related deaths, with no mass shootings reported since.
• Norway: Following the Utøya tragedy in 2011, Norway enhanced mental health support for survivors and families alongside stricter gun regulations.
• Canada: Consistently maintains strict gun laws requiring background checks and licenses while further restricting access to military-style assault weapons

Other countries which faced infrastructure issues and tragedies and have taken steps to address infrastructure failures in various ways:

• Italy: After the Morandi Bridge disaster in Genoa in 2018, which resulted in the deaths of 43 people, the Italian government enacted legislation to strengthen oversight and accountability in public construction projects. Stricter regulations on maintenance schedules, better training for inspectors, and enhanced public transparency regarding contracts were introduced. Following the disaster, a criminal investigation led to the indictment of several individuals, including top executives of the company responsible for maintaining the bridge. As of 2023, over 20 people, including government officials and engineers, faced trial for manslaughter and other charges related to negligence and corruption.
• United States: In the aftermath of major bridge collapses, such as the I-35W Mississippi River bridge collapse in Minneapolis in 2007, federal regulations were tightened. The U.S. government instituted more comprehensive bridge inspection protocols and funded infrastructure repair programs to ensure aging structures are evaluated and maintained adequately.
• United Kingdom: In response to the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which claimed the lives of 72 individuals, the UK developed rigorous frameworks for infrastructure safety. This included mandating that all public buildings undergo thorough safety evaluations and adhere to updated building codes. An independent public inquiry was launched to investigate the fire's causes, and several individuals and companies faced scrutiny.
• Turkey: Following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey in 2020 and 2021, which resulted in thousands of collapsed buildings due to poor construction practices, the Turkish government responded by launching extensive investigations into construction firms and local officials. A notable case led to the indictment of several contractors and developers accused of negligence and corruption in building practices. The Turkish government also implemented a nationwide crackdown, resulting in the arrest of many individuals linked to shoddy construction. In addition, Turkey initiated a comprehensive review of its building codes and enforcement policies, aiming to improve construction standards and prevent similar disasters in the future.

Urgent need for new policies

The tragic events surrounding the May 2023 shootings in Serbia have highlighted a pressing need for systemic reforms to address the underlying issues of societal violence. While there is some scholarly work focusing on violence against women, domestic abuse, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities, a comprehensive understanding of the root causes of societal violence remains largely absent. It is essential that future research efforts prioritize the identification of these causes, thereby facilitating the development of evidence-based interventions. In tandem, promoting peace and positive values within media and educational contexts could play a crucial role in shifting societal perceptions. Additionally, establishing robust support programs for victims, enforcing stricter gun control, and expanding mental health services in schools are critical steps toward tackling these issues. In the realm of public infrastructure, the recent catastrophe calls for an urgent reassessment of maintenance protocols and regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and accountability. Implementing regular inspections and enhancing contract transparency could significantly mitigate the risks associated with infrastructure neglect. By fostering community engagement and investing in inspector training, a more responsive and responsible approach to public safety may emerge. These tragedies must serve as catalysts for change—both nationally and globally.