A thousands-strong protest in Bosnia’s capital blocked major roads for more than three hours on February 14 as demonstrators demanded political accountability following a fatal tram crash that killed a 23-year-old man and seriously injured a teenage girl.
The demonstration, originally planned to last 45 minutes, paralysed central Sarajevo from Marijin Dvor to Skenderija after crowds gathered outside the Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakaš General Hospital to show support for 17-year-old Ella Jovanović, who remains hospitalised, local media outlets reported.
Protesters then marched to the state parliament building before occupying the main intersection at Skenderija, where flares were lit in tribute to Jovanović and Erdoan Morankić, who died in the crash near the National Museum. The crowd called for the resignation of the Sarajevo Canton (KS) government.
Traffic was gradually restored after the crowd dispersed late in the evening. Organisers said the extended blockade was intended as a warning that citizens would no longer tolerate what they described as institutional negligence. Further protests are planned for February 15.
The Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor’s Office has requested a one-month detention for the tram driver suspected of causing the accident, citing concerns that his release could lead to public unrest. A court hearing is scheduled for early Sunday, when judges will decide on the motion.
In a statement issued after the crash, Sarajevo city authorities said: “A very difficult and extremely sad day in Sarajevo. We were all deeply shaken by the tragedy in which one person lost his life and several others were injured.”
The statement continued: “In moments like these, words are insufficient to express the pain and regret we feel as a community.”
On behalf of the city, Mayor Samir Avdić and his deputies extended condolences to Morankić’s family and said: “We wish our injured fellow citizens a speedy recovery. We call on the competent authorities to fully investigate the circumstances of the accident and take all necessary measures to improve the safety of our citizens.”
Prosecutors say preliminary findings indicate the crash was caused by human error. Two days after the accident, they requested the detention of tram driver Adnan Kasapović, arguing that expert analyses showed no technical failures.
However, some tram drivers have disputed those findings, saying the vehicle experienced abnormal acceleration and that the driver could not have prevented the crash.
A grassroots group that initially called for a gathering near the crash site sought to distance itself from the later road blockades.
The group “Reci Dosta” (“Say Enough”) said its rally outside the National Museum was non-political and peaceful.
“We emphasise that today's gathering was absolutely in accordance with the law and regulations,” the group said as quoted by Klix.ba, adding that it had notified police and organised its own security. The group said it had since become concerned that others were using its name to promote further protests and possible unrest.
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