On November 22, the protest “Stop, Serbia” was held from 11:52 a.m. to 12:08 am, 15 minutes for the 15 lives lost in the fall of the railway station awning in Novi Sad. During one gathering in Belgrade, Faculty of Drama student Nikola Terzić was hospitalized with injuries and a Nova.rs journalist was also assaulted.
The demands of the students are:
- Criminal prosecution of those who attacked students at “Stop, Serbia” protest
- Disciplinary actions against public officials involved in the incident
Students called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to file criminal charges with the public prosecutor’s office in Belgrade against individuals identified as the attackers, including: Milija Koldžić, Aleksandar Jokić, Dušan Kostić, Milena Aleksić, and Ivan Stanišić. They demanded immediate confirmation of these individuals’ identities and that they be dismissed from public office, should they hold any position.
Classes were suspended for the duration of the blockade, which began on Monday and ended Thurday at 12 PM. The students have received widespread support from professors, the Serbian Screenwriters Association, and the Association of Drama Artists of Serbia.
Outpouring of Support
The Association of Drama Artists of Serbia released a statement saying it strongly condemns all forms of violence against its members and citizens, especially those who, during the “Stop, Serbia” action.
The Executive Board of the Serbian Screenwriters Association has also supported the students’ blockade, stating: “As former students of this institution, we are proud of you and ready to assist in the fight for a fairer and safer future.”
Professor and director Irena Ristić commented on the significance of these protests, saying:
“Students are confronting the regime’s violence in its rawest form, alongside other citizens who are justifiably outraged. Protests are growing, and they won’t easily be silenced. Students are being arrested, beaten, threatened, and subjected to unjust detentions and extreme pressure. Systemic abuses have shown they can lead to death, while those responsible organize gangs to attack students.”
Ristić emphasized the importance of student voices and organization, noting that attempts to alter education laws and undermine the public education system reflect a broader capitalist effort to commodify knowledge. She reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to supporting the students.
Broader Context of Student Protests in Serbia
This blockade comes in the context of mass upheaval in Serbia. In addition to the “Stop, Serbia” incidents, the Serbian state has cracked down on protest in general, arresting scores of citizens at other protests about the collapse of the railway station awning. In addition, there is an ongoing protest encampment to prevent the demolition of the Old Sava Bridge where protesters have also been attacked by police.
A.M.
