Ingrid Gercama

A mass protest erupted in Novi Sad, Serbia, following a deadly incident at a train station where a concrete canopy collapsed, killing fourteen people. The protestors, including citizens and opposition leaders, blame the government for the tragedy, citing corruption and negligence. The Serbian Progressive Party, led by President Aleksandar Vucic, faces accusations of prioritizing financial gain over public safety. The incident has intensified calls for the resignation of key government officials and transparency in dealings with Chinese companies involved in infrastructure projects. The protest reflects broader discontent with systemic corruption in Serbia.

In Serbia, polygraph tests have become a popular tool among politicians to deflect accusations of corruption and organized crime connections, despite their scientific unreliability. The practice is part of a broader media spectacle, with state-controlled outlets often declaring politicians innocent without showing test results. Private detective Nikola Novak has capitalized on this trend, offering polygraph services to both individuals and organizations. Critics argue that the use of polygraphs is a political strategy to distract from systemic corruption and judicial inefficiencies, with the ruling party leveraging media control to maintain power. Despite skepticism from scientists and legal limitations, the polygraph craze persists, reflecting deep-seated issues in Serbia's political and media landscape.

In Albania, the illegal trade of big cats like lions and tigers has become a status symbol among organized crime figures and influencers, reflecting a broader trend of wildlife trafficking in the Balkans. Despite laws prohibiting private ownership of such animals, enforcement is weak due to corruption and the influence of criminal networks. The trade is part of a larger $23 billion global illegal wildlife market, contributing to biodiversity loss and animal suffering. Efforts by NGOs and activists to combat this trend face significant challenges, including limited resources and political will. The situation is exacerbated by the involvement of high-profile individuals and the glamorization of exotic pets on social media.

The article explores the complex and controversial arms trade between Serbia and Ukraine, facilitated by American intermediaries like Global Ordnance. Despite Serbia's official stance of neutrality, leaked documents and investigative reports reveal a clandestine network involving Serbian arms manufacturers and American defense contractors, with weapons ultimately reaching Ukraine. The geopolitical dynamics are further complicated by Serbia's balancing act between Western alliances and Russian ties, as well as the involvement of figures like Marc Morales and Slobodan Tešić in questionable arms deals. The situation underscores the broader implications of arms trade regulations and the opportunistic policies of Serbian leadership under President Aleksandar Vučić.

The article discusses the severe healthcare crisis in Serbia, exacerbated by a significant brain drain of medical personnel to the European Union, particularly Germany. This exodus has led to critical staff shortages and deteriorating healthcare quality in Serbia and other Balkan countries. Corruption and political issues further compound the problem, with systemic malpractice and nepotism prevalent in the healthcare sector. Efforts by Germany to recruit Serbian medical staff are seen as both a solution for Germany's healthcare needs and a detriment to Serbia's healthcare system. The article highlights the challenges faced by medical professionals and patients in Serbia, with calls for systemic reform and better government action.

A new song by Serbian singer Ana Jovanović, celebrating President Aleksandar Vučić, has sparked discussions in Serbia. The song, written for a nationalist event, features themes of Serbian unity and has been both praised and mocked in the media. Critics argue it is part of Vučić's attempt to cultivate a personality cult, while supporters see it as a unifying anthem. The song reflects the ongoing division in Serbian society between pro-Russian and pro-Western sentiments, with Vučić's party using nationalistic music to appeal to both sides.

Maja Simic's traumatic experience with a cesarean section in Serbia highlights systemic failures in the healthcare system, including the use of outdated and dangerous medical practices. The article details Simic's legal battle against the state for medical negligence, supported by her lawyer Marina Mijatovic, who is also a parliamentarian for a green-left opposition party. The case underscores broader issues of medical malpractice and lack of accountability in Serbian hospitals, with protests from women's organizations demanding reform. The narrative also touches on political interference, with allegations that healthcare professionals are protected due to political affiliations. Simic's case may reach the European Court of Human Rights, emphasizing the need for systemic change in Serbia's healthcare system.

The article highlights the tragic story of Ajmal, a 17-year-old Afghan migrant who drowned in the Drina River while attempting to reach Western Europe. It underscores the challenges faced by migrants and their families, including the difficulty of identifying and repatriating bodies. Bosnian citizens and organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration and the International Committee of the Red Cross, play crucial roles in assisting families. Volunteers like Nihad Suljić and professionals like Dr. Vidak Simić are instrumental in providing closure to grieving families, despite bureaucratic hurdles and limited resources. The piece sheds light on the broader migration crisis and the humanitarian efforts in the Western Balkans.

The article discusses the current state of FC Bayern under the leadership of Julian Nagelsmann. It describes the team as an 'Amplitudenmannschaft', a term that suggests they are experiencing significant fluctuations in performance. The article implies that there is a lack of understanding within the team regarding these fluctuations. It also touches on the high expectations in Munich, where the only options are to be either outstanding or to be out of favor.

The article discusses the plight of the indigenous Baka people in Cameroon, who have been displaced from their ancestral rainforest lands due to the establishment of rubber plantations by companies like GMG Global Ltd and its subsidiary Sud Cameroun-Hévéa S.A. The Singapore-based GMG Global was granted land concessions by the Cameroonian government, which led to deforestation and the eviction of the Baka. The company was later acquired by Halcyon Agri, which is controlled by Chinese state-owned enterprises including Sinochem International and China Hainan Rubber Industry Group. The article also touches on the historical context of rubber plantations in Cameroon, the environmental impact of deforestation, and the European Union's new law aimed at preventing the import of commodities linked to deforestation. The Baka community's struggle for reparations and the return to their traditional way of life is highlighted, as well as the complex web of corporate ownership and the involvement of the Cameroonian government and Chinese interests in the rubber industry.