Two separate protests have begun to organize in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, on Vidovdan, a day of national significance.
One protest is organized by students who have blockaded universities nationwide since late 2024, demanding snap parliamentary elections. They hold government institutions responsible for the collapse of a canopy at the Novi Sad railway station last November, which resulted in 16 deaths.
The other protest is being organized by those who declare their support for Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
Student Demands and Government Response
The student protest, titled “See You on Vidovdan,” is scheduled to begin this Saturday afternoon at Slavija Square. On Vidovdan, Serbs commemorate the 1389 Battle of Kosovo against the Ottoman army.
The students are demanding that the government submit a proposal to President Vučić for the dissolution of parliament and the announcement of new elections. Their second demand is the cessation of the pro-government gathering, whose participants state they wish to “learn.” The students have issued an ultimatum to authorities to meet their demands by 9:00 PM on Saturday.
However, Vučić stated on June 27 that the “ultimatum has not been accepted.“
Arrests and Accusations
Days ago, authorities arrested six individuals for preparing a “violent overthrow of the constitutional order,” accusing the protest organizers of “preparing for violence.” The students, conversely, have stated that their actions thus far demonstrate their opposition to all forms of violence.
