Just when you think Serbia is asleep, students and citizens wake up and make noise on the streets! The “We Won’t Give Up Jadar” movement is fighting to stop Rio Tinto from mining lithium in the Jadar valley, while students demand snap parliamentary elections. At protests in Belgrade, Zaječar, and Kosjerić, activists and students shout: “You won’t dig!” and “We’ll play this game together until victory!” Zlatko Kokanović, one of the movement’s leaders, bluntly says the Serbian president is the biggest lobbyist for Rio Tinto, the company wanting to exploit lithium. Students claim the people’s electoral will has been stolen, the government machinery is cracking under citizen pressure, and they will continue fighting for freedom and justice. Dejan Bodiroga, former basketball star and Euroleague president, joined the protests at Slavija Square, calling this a fight for Serbia’s honor and dignity. He condemned calling students terrorists and said they are the best patriots Serbia has. Former EPS worker Goran Perišić, fired for supporting students, also stood at the protests defending the people’s honor and youth dignity. These protests have lasted eight months, with no demands met yet. But one thing is clear — students and citizens won’t stop until justice is served. Think this is just another protest? Think again. This is a war for Serbia’s future, and history is being written on the streets. So, what’s your take? Team Rio Tinto or Team Jadar? Drop a comment and let’s see where you stand!
