In Belgrade, in front of the RTS headquarters on Takovska Street, actors and cultural workers staged a protest during the evening news (Dnevnik 2) to draw attention to the ongoing hunger strike of Dijana Hrka.
The protesters claimed they had sent RTS the statement to be read live on air but received no response, highlighting the lack of transparency in Serbia’s state media. Actor Marko Grabež read the statement on behalf of the cultural community:
“Dijana Hrka has been on a hunger strike for eight days, demanding the investigation and detention of all responsible for the canopy collapse, the release of detained students, withdrawal of charges, and that Aleksandar Vučić call early elections. The hunger strike is a last resort when all other avenues of protest have failed. It is a pledge of life for justice.”
The statement also detailed the physical toll of prolonged hunger strikes:
- Days 1–2: Liver sugar depletion and dropping glucose levels; authorities remain unresponsive.
- Days 3–6: Fat and muscle breakdown begins, organs under stress.
- Days 7–14: Heart slows, risk of permanent organ damage increases.
- Days 17–21: Immune system collapse, severe risk of organ failure; survival depends solely on breathing and heart function.
“After eight days without food, the body consumes its own organs to survive. Each day increases the risk of permanent damage or death. This is happening 100 meters from the public broadcaster, while Vučić’s administration ignores accountability. RTS – the citizens’ right to know is being violated. We know what we must do next,” the statement read.
Following the reading, the group moved to Dijana Hrka’s tent to show solidarity and support.
This protest highlights growing concerns over government transparency, state media bias, and Vučić’s disregard for citizen safety and democratic norms.
