In recent days, a series of incidents targeting students and high school pupils has raised concerns across Serbia. In Novi Pazar, students were arrested; in Aranđelovac, tires of student transport vehicles were slashed and donations seized; and in Valjevo, pupils of the Valjevska Gymnasium were physically attacked. Observers say these actions appear linked to regime tactics ahead of the local elections.
Arrests in Novi Pazar
On March 22, 2026, protests were held in Novi Pazar following the detention of two students during the third day of Ramadan celebrations. The arrests reportedly involved a student from State University of Novi Pazar and a law student from Faculty of Law, Kragujevac. Police reportedly carried out home raids, citing alleged threats to Aleksandar Vučić and “undermining the constitutional order.” Witnesses described the operation as disproportionate, with around twenty police officers and four vehicles deployed.
A local resident stated: “When I saw four police cars and twenty officers, I thought they were arresting a major criminal. Instead of celebrating Eid, we worry about our children.”
Assault on Valjevska Gymnasium Students
Late on the night of March 21-22, four pupils walking on Karađorđeva Street were confronted by a group of young men from a Mercedes. The attackers reportedly shouted political slogans and struck one pupil with a belt. The victims attempted to contact police, but were initially ignored. The injured student later visited the Valjevo Police Department with a parent and received medical care at the Urgent Center, yet authorities failed to follow up promptly.
Tire Slashing and Confiscated Donations in Aranđelovac
In Banja, unknown assailants punctured tires of student vehicles and confiscated funds donated for student activism. According to Students in Blockade, four students were briefly detained while transporting 2 million dinars in donations. Though the students were released, the funds were not returned.
The organization emphasized: “This is citizens’ money, a trust that authorities are trying to humiliate. They steal in every possible way, even from those who have little, from people who donated to sustain student activities.”
Context
These incidents are occurring as local elections approach, raising concerns that the regime is targeting youth activists who participate in initiatives like “Student in Every Village,” a program connecting communities and fostering civic engagement. Analysts warn that these measures represent an attempt to intimidate politically active youth ahead of the elections.
