Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia visited Sonja Ponjavić, a first-year law student who was seriously injured during a protest in Belgrade when a car drove into a crowd of demonstrators. The Patriarch offered prayers for her recovery and presented her with an icon of the Virgin Mary and Christ, symbolizing comfort and hope.

The incident occurred on Roosevelt Street during a student-led protest, part of ongoing demonstrations sparked by the tragedy in Novi Sad, where the collapse of a train station roof claimed 15 lives. Protesters have since called for transparency and accountability for those responsible for the disaster.

Expressing shock over the incident, Patriarch Porfirije condemned violence and emphasized the importance of peace and mutual respect. “I expect those responsible for this act to be held accountable before the law. Aggression and violence will bring no good to anyone. I appeal to everyone for peace and understanding,” he stated.

The driver involved in the Belgrade incident has been arrested and charged with attempted murder under aggravating circumstances. Local media reports indicate this was the first incident of its kind to result in serious injuries, although several minor vehicular confrontations have occurred since protests began.

Sonja’s condition has stabilized, but the event has fueled public outrage. Hundreds of students gathered outside the Faculty of Law, chanting “Murderers” and demanding justice. Protests have intensified across major cities, including Niš and Novi Sad.

Since November, demonstrations have focused on the Novi Sad tragedy, which highlighted allegations of corruption and negligence in infrastructure projects. Protesters have demanded accountability for the station’s improper reconstruction, which led to the fatal collapse.

In a poignant act of remembrance, students held a silent march through central Belgrade on New Year’s Eve, stating there was “nothing to celebrate.” Demonstrators in Niš and Novi Sad disrupted municipal New Year’s concerts and adorned city hall buildings with black ribbons.

The ongoing protests underscore mounting dissatisfaction with governance and a demand for systemic change, resonating deeply across Serbia.