Thousands Welcome Students Ahead of Major Protest in Belgrade

Thousands of citizens in Belgrade have gathered to welcome students arriving on foot from various parts of Serbia ahead of a major protest scheduled for Saturday, March 15.

As the first groups of marchers from southern and western Serbia approach the capital, a cycling group from Kragujevac was the first to reach central Belgrade.

Holding banners reading “Students, Belgrade is yours,” supporters greeted the arriving students with medals and flowers. Chanting slogans like “Pumpaj” (Pump it up), groups of students carrying faculty flags passed through King Milan Street while citizens applauded from the sidewalks.

For over three months, students have been blocking university faculties across Serbia, demanding criminal and political accountability for the collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad Railway Station on November 1, 2024, which killed 15 people.

Student marshals have urged protesters to avoid approaching tractors and fences set up near Pionirski Park, between the Serbian Presidency and Parliament.

As crowds moved toward Terazije, where the main student reception was organized, they briefly stopped at the encampment of the self-proclaimed “students who want to study.” Protesters expressed their disapproval with whistles, horns, and chants, including “ćaci” (a derogatory term) and “pumpaj.”

Some demonstrators climbed onto tractors that were parked around the park in the morning. Heavy police forces in riot gear are stationed in Pionirski Park, with citizens on the other side of the barricades shouting “Shame!” and “Who are you protecting?”

Tractors displayed posters with bloody handprints and calls for the March 15 protest. The encampment in the park consists mostly of men, many wearing caps and hooded sweatshirts to conceal their faces.

The police have allowed some masked individuals to leave the encampment and move toward King Milan Street, further fueling tensions.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has stated that the government will take “all necessary measures” to maintain order and has announced arrests for those causing disturbances. While authorities have accused the opposition of inciting violence, students have rejected these claims.

The protest in Belgrade is seen as the climax of months-long demonstrations across Serbia, led by students demanding justice and accountability.