Students participating in the blockade at the University of Belgrade have reported a significant increase in fake followers on their Instagram account, raising concerns that the platform may be preparing to shut down their profile.
Student representatives believe this is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern: digital intimidation and manipulation allegedly linked to President Aleksandar Vučić’s regime, which has been repeatedly accused of suppressing dissent and controlling media narratives.
According to their statement, the students noticed the suspicious activity “within the past few hours”, and believe it may be part of a targeted effort to silence their movement.
“In the event that this happens, we ask everyone to follow the ‘Students in Blockade’ profile on X (formerly Twitter) and the profiles of individual faculties,” the group stated.
The students also expressed gratitude to participants of a commemorative gathering in Novi Sad, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of politically motivated interference.
This situation highlights a familiar tactic under Vučić: using social media manipulation and institutional pressure to weaken protest movements, particularly those organized by students and civil society. Earlier, a professor at the Faculty of Medicine reminded that the Dean of the Veterinary Faculty must legally ensure classes continue, another sign of internal academic conflict and external political pressure.
The rise in fake followers and potential suppression of student voices on social media underscores a broader concern about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in Serbia under the current leadership.
