In Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, a military parade under the slogan “The Power of Unity” took place today, coinciding with widespread student protests across several cities in the country.
A day before the parade, tanks and soldiers were deployed on the streets, while parts of the New Belgrade district have been closed to traffic since September 9. Police set up cordons to prevent student protesters from approaching the parade area.
According to Radio Free Europe, in addition to riot police, gendarmerie units equipped to disperse demonstrations were also deployed. Police were positioned in multiple rings around the parade route, forcing students to seek alternative routes to reach the area.
Participants in the student demonstration stated they would attempt to enter the parade zone individually. They condemned the actions of riot police and the gendarmerie, emphasizing that “the army is not Vučić’s, but the people’s,” and asserting that “no one can stop them from passing through.”
Students also questioned why individuals arriving in an organized manner, claiming to be government supporters, are allowed to enter as parade spectators, while protesters face strict restrictions.
This situation raises concerns about unequal treatment of citizens, freedom of assembly, and the use of security forces to limit access to public events for dissenting voices.
