Students and other opponents of Serbia's populist president are gearing up for a major rally in the capital over the weekend as momentum builds in favor of their demands for major changes in the Balkan country.

Tensions were rising in Serbia days ahead of a mass anti-corruption protest as ultranationalist backers of the government flocked to the capital, sparking concerns of a confrontation between the rival camps.

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Several hundred student protesters have blocked Serbia's public television station building in Belgrade as tensions are soaring in the Balkan country days ahead of a planned large rally over the weekend billed as an endgame in months of anti-government demonstrations.

Tens of thousands of people marched through Belgrade on Friday to mark the deaths of 15 victims in a railway station disaster and to support a student-led call for a general strike aimed at challenging Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's hold on power.

Tens of thousands in Belgrade marched to honor 15 victims of a train station disaster and support a student-led strike against President Aleksandar Vucic's government. This follows nationwide student protests sparked by the collapse in Novi Sad.

University students have staged almost daily rallies since a concrete canopy at Novi Sad railway station collapsed in November, killing 15 people.

Students across Serbia march to Belgrade for March 15 rally Students from all over Serbia are heading to Belgrade for a major protest against President Vučić, sparked by the deadly Novi Sad awning collapse in November.