See You on Vidovdan: Student Protests Rock Serbia and Vučić’s Accusations
On June 28, Belgrade became the epicenter of one of the largest student protests in recent years. Tens of thousands gathered at Slavija Square demanding the calling of early parliamentary elections and the removal of the current government, which they consider illegitimate. The protest, named “See You on Vidovdan,” was not just another gathering – it was a symbol of the eternal fight for freedom and justice.
Student Energy and Demands
Students have been blocking faculties across Serbia for seven months, demanding accountability for the tragedy in Novi Sad, where 16 people died after a canopy collapsed at the railway station. Speeches were given by the Rector of the University of Belgrade Vladan Đokić, war veteran Nenad Stanić, professor Milo Lompar, and others, emphasizing that students are the only true allies of the people in the fight for basic democratic values.
The crowd observed a minute of silence at 4 PM in memory of the victims, with an atmosphere charged with emotion and determination. Students clearly stated that the current government is illegitimate and called for fair elections, while authorities warned of possible incidents and violence.
Vučić’s Accusations and Reactions
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić appeared at the “Students Want to Learn” event and in an Instagram video declared that “students won, the blockers lost.” Vučić also accused unnamed foreign forces of orchestrating the protests, calling it an attempt at a “color revolution,” though he did not specify which countries were involved.
Ahead of the protest, authorities arrested six people suspected of planning a violent change of government, including a former president of a military union and an opposition group representative. These actions heightened tensions and accusations of political misuse of the judiciary.
Support from Croatia and Regional Context
While the protests did not gain the expected support from citizens in Serbia, the blockers received heartfelt support from Croatian media and public figures. Croatian media reported on the protests with sympathy towards the blockers while criticizing Vučić. Public figures like singer Severina Vučković openly supported the protests, further fueling tensions between the two countries.
Serbian National Assembly President Ana Brnabić noted that it is evidently in Croatia’s strategic interest that Vučić is not in power, complicating the political situation in the region.
Atmosphere and Future of the Protests
The protests were held under high security measures, with police appeals for peace and law observance. However, fears of incidents remained, and students stated they would not call for violence but are ready for civil disobedience if their demands are not met.
This student movement has become a symbol of resistance and the fight for democratic values in Serbia, but also a subject of political manipulation and regional tensions. Whether these protests will lead to real change or become another episode in a long series of political conflicts remains to be seen.
Conclusion
Vidovdan 2024 in Belgrade was not just a day of remembrance but a day when students showed they are not ready to be silent. With tens of thousands gathered, demands for fair elections and government change, this protest clearly showed the people’s dissatisfaction is great. Vučić’s accusations of foreign interference and arrests of activists only added fuel to the fire.
If you have thoughts on these events or feel something is missing in this story, feel free to drop a comment. Who knows, maybe your word will spark the next big change!
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