Since the beginning of protests in Serbia, at least 920 people have been arrested, according to data collected by the initiative “Release Them All”, but the public remains largely unaware of the situation for hundreds of detainees.
One high-profile case is Bogdan Jovičić, a student at the University of Novi Sad Faculty of Technical Sciences, who is currently in a prison hospital in Belgrade after beginning a hunger strike six days ago. His lawyer has filed an appeal against the extension of his detention, with a court decision expected within 48 hours.
Authorities from the Directorate for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions confirmed that Bogdan’s vital signs are being monitored daily and that he will receive therapy if necessary. They emphasized that claims of inhumane treatment are inaccurate, although he was handcuffed during a trip to his father’s funeral.
Supporters gathered outside the Novi Sad courthouse to advocate for Bogdan and other detainees, demanding that they be allowed to defend themselves from freedom.
“Authorities are sending a terrifying message to citizens who dare to protest,” said student Ivana, while Brajan Brković from the Bravo movement described the government’s actions as a form of state terror against its own citizens.
Most detainees are held up to 48 hours without charges, and some have been arrested multiple times. The majority of arrests occur before large protests, often publicized by pro-government tabloids when high-profile figures are involved.
Jelena Rudakijević from the “Release Them All” initiative highlighted that hundreds of cases go untracked, as the public only sees a small fraction of detainees. Milena Vasić from Jukom added that such arrests are intended as mass intimidation, particularly targeting students to discourage further protests.
The situation underscores continuing concerns about civil liberties and the treatment of protesters in Serbia, particularly amid ongoing student activism.
