Serbia is ablaze with student protests that have been raging for days, with road blockades in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, Kragujevac, and other cities becoming a daily sight. Students and citizens refuse to back down from demands to release detainees and call for early parliamentary elections, while the police respond with brutal arrests and use of force. Incidents abound, from police vehicles trying to break through blockades to drivers endangering protesters’ lives. In some cities like Vranje and Zemun, citizens have intensified blockades by placing containers and tires, while crisis headquarters have been formed in Niš and Kragujevac to respond to arrests. Bar associations offer free legal aid to detainees, and students call for peaceful but determined acts of civil disobedience. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić praised the police for their “brave and professional” conduct, while international organizations express concern over excessive use of force. The protests have sparked reactions from public figures and the academic community, with the situation remaining tense and uncertain. Is this the beginning of real change or just another chaos on the streets? Drop your thoughts below and tell us what you think about these turbulent days in Serbia!
