In Belgrade, Serbia, a significant gathering took place on Saturday as thousands protested outside a television network supportive of the government. The station is embroiled in controversy over its coverage concerning the university students who have been leading anti-corruption demonstrations against President Aleksandar Vucic, a populist leader.
Among the media outlets loyal to Vucic’s administration is Informer TV, which, alongside its tabloid counterpart, has frequently labeled the student protest organizers as radicals. These student-led protests, which have continued for nearly five months, remain non-violent, yet have been poorly portrayed by the government-aligned media, who have accused the movement of inciting unrest and having foreign directives. Such claims, however, have not been substantiated with any evidence.
Student protester Ivona Markovic expressed frustration over the media’s portrayal, noting how participants have faced ongoing vilification since the protests began following a deadly incident in November. The collapse of a train station’s canopy, resulting in sixteen fatalities, spotlighted the widespread governmental corruption and fueled calls for political reform and responsibility.
Amid rising pressure, President Vucic, an increasingly authoritarian figure, has promised to counter the demonstrations. Although Serbia aspires to join the European Union under his leadership, Vucic maintains close ties with Russia and China. Authorities have also suggested legal actions against academia, particularly targeting Vladan Djokic, the dean of Belgrade University.
During the weekend, Vucic visited loyalists near the presidential offices, including some pro-government students, emphasizing accountability for those “introducing anarchy” at educational institutions. The swelling protests have resonated with many citizens who feel let down by the political landscape.
A group of students made a symbolic gesture through a “decontamination” act in protective gear outside Informer TV, unveiling a “wall of shame” with disparaging headlines, including accusations of planning a “bloody coup.” The demonstration, labeled “DisInformer,” aimed to persist for six hours, enhancing a petition to restrict the station’s broadcast capabilities.
“This conflict is a battle between misinformation by Informer and the students, lies versus truth, state exploitation versus defiance,” articulated the students. “Informer is not a medium of information, but of persecution.”
Meanwhile, government figures, including the defense minister, rallied in support of Informer on Saturday amidst the protest that the newspaper dubbed a “hostage crisis.” Informer remains widely followed across Serbia, despite the struggling presence of independent journalism. Critical voices within the media frequently report encountering restricted visibility, along with experiencing pressures, smear campaigns, and legal challenges.