BELGRADE, Serbia — On Sunday, university students in Serbia gathered outside the Constitutional Court in the capital to protest what they claim are violations of their civil rights under the current populist government, including alleged harassment from state security services. The demonstration commenced with thousands of protesters observing 15 minutes of silence to honor the victims of a concrete canopy collapse in Novi Sad last November, an event that spurred ongoing anti-corruption protests across the country.
A parallel rally took place in Nis, further reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with President Aleksandar Vucic’s perceived increasingly authoritarian rule. While Vucic publicly asserts his intention to guide Serbia toward European Union membership, he has faced criticism for undermining democratic freedoms rather than promoting them.
For several weeks, classes at Serbian universities have been disrupted as students demand accountability for the canopy collapse that occurred at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1. Many locals believe that the structure fell due to shoddy reconstruction attributed to corruption, as the station underwent renovations twice in recent years involving Chinese state companies.
The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of fourteen individuals, with three more sustaining serious injuries after tons of concrete fell unexpectedly. One additional person later succumbed to their injuries while hospitalized.
Students participating in the strike have alleged that they are facing pressure from Serbian state security and President Vucic, who has accused them of receiving foreign funding for their protests. Pro-government media outlets have reportedly published personal information about some demonstrators, an act that many believe would require involvement from Serbia’s intelligence agency, the BIA.
Luka Stojakovic, a student who, along with his twin brother, has been singled out by the pro-government press, expressed concerns on N1 television about the possible heightened pressures they might face. “We have learned that the BIA can show up at our homes, intimidate our parents, and invite us for a ‘friendly’ chat,” he stated.
Stojakovic lamented the lack of accountability following the disclosure of their personal information and conveyed his expectation of increased pressure on him and his peers as well as their families. “I expect there will be pressure, and they will try to associate us with political parties, but we will continue to demand our rights until our requests are met.”
The student-led protests represent a significant challenge to Vucic’s authority, garnering considerable public support and drawing large crowds estimated in the tens of thousands. During their Sunday demonstration, protesters recited articles from Serbia’s Constitution, asserting that various forms of government pressure have violated these rights. While Vucic’s constitutional role is meant to be largely ceremonial, he has consolidated power over the last thirteen years since assuming office.
In response to the protest, Vucic labeled it “stupid” during a broadcast on state-controlled media. He stated that he would only resign on his own terms, saying, “They (the protesters) live in their own world. They are not my problem, but I criticize those who are instigating them—particularly their professors.”
Following the canopy disaster, Serbian prosecutors have initiated legal action against thirteen individuals, including a government minister and several state officials. Nonetheless, skepticism remains regarding the impartiality of the investigation, given the circumstances surrounding the government’s involvement.
