Serbian Mother's 16-Day Hunger Strike Becomes Symbol of National Protest Movement

Serbia:

A Serbian mother in mourning has reached the 16th day of her hunger strike on Monday, emerging as a central figure in the country's ongoing protest movement, while concerns about her health continue to mount.

Dijana Hrka, 48, who has been hospitalized twice recently, began her protest action following a massive demonstration where tens of thousands gathered to commemorate the first anniversary of a fatal roof collapse that ignited the current movement.

Her son Stefan, 27, was among the 16 victims who lost their lives in the tragic collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad.

Hrka has vowed to continue refusing food "until justice is served." Seated in a wheelchair, wearing a mask and covered with a fleece blanket, she told reporters last week that she remains resolute.

"This could potentially be fatal for me, but if it is, perhaps it will benefit you in the future," she stated.

"The prosecutor's office must fulfill its responsibilities, detained students must be released, and of course, elections need to be held."

Students, university professors, and opposition politicians have gathered to show solidarity as she maintains her vigil in a tent just meters away from the parliament building.

Veterans, who have provided security throughout the student protests, are guarding her around the clock, with additional tents appearing in the vicinity.

Simultaneously, a pro-government encampment blocking a park and major road outside parliament for months continues to host gatherings and play loud music.

While local and international media initially sought interviews with Hrka, as her strike extends into weeks, she reports being too weak to speak.

After each hospital visit, she has quickly returned to her tent, and has informed media that she continues to consume water and fluids.

The protest movement has generally avoided elevating individual leaders, preferring collective decision-making approaches.

However, Hrka, who has participated in numerous demonstrations alongside students, has embraced her position as a maternal figure within the protest movement.

In an interview with AFP marking the six-month anniversary in May, she expressed that the students "took to the streets and are fighting, in a way, in my name, they are fighting for me."

"So, I stand with these children, and I will always stand with them."