Belgrade on Fire: Vidovdan Student Protests Explode into Chaos!
Vidovdan 2025 in Belgrade was anything but peaceful. Tens of thousands of students gathered at Slavija Square demanding justice, truth, and early parliamentary elections. But what started as a peaceful protest quickly spiraled into violent clashes with police and gendarmes.
Violence in the Streets – Tear Gas, Batons, and Arrests
After the official protest ended, the situation escalated dramatically. Police used tear gas, and gendarmes brutally intervened, beating protesters with batons. Journalists and cameramen were not spared – one cameraman from Fonet was hit with a baton while filming an arrest, others were doused with tear gas. Several people were detained, and at least six police officers and two civilians were injured.
Student Protest Turns into Civil Uprising
The protest organizers, the student blockade, declared that their gathering was no longer just a student protest but a civil one. They accused the government of radicalizing the situation and using violence against citizens, emphasizing that the authorities had all the means to prevent escalation but chose repression instead.
Police and Government Stand Firm
Police Director Dragan Vasiljević defended the police actions, stating that all officers acted professionally and that the use of force was minimal and justified due to attacks on police. Chief Public Prosecutor Nenad Stefanović announced that all attackers on police would be identified and prosecuted.
Tense Atmosphere and Societal Division
Bottles, flares, and stones flew between protesters and police, and streets were blocked. While students and citizens chanted against President Vučić, government supporters held parallel rallies, further escalating tensions.
Vidovdan Symbolism and Calls for Change
Vidovdan, a symbol of resistance and fight for justice, took on new meaning this year. Students carried Serbian flags and banners against fascism and for fair elections. Calls for civil war mentioned by the Speaker of Parliament Ana Brnabić sparked additional controversy.
Conclusion: Serbia on the Brink of Explosion
After seven months of protests, blockades, and marches, the situation in Belgrade culminated in violence and clashes, revealing deep societal divisions. While students and citizens demand change and justice, the government responds with repression and a hard stance. Whether Serbia will find a peaceful solution or the clashes will continue remains to be seen.
Thought protests were just boring gatherings? Think again! This Vidovdan showed Belgrade means business. What do you think – is this the start of something bigger or just another episode in an endless series of conflicts? Drop a comment, spark a debate, or just share your thoughts – no words are off-limits here!
