On the third anniversary of the mass shootings at “Vladislav Ribnikar” Elementary School and the villages of Dubona and Malo Orašje, Miroslav Aleksić, president of the People’s Movement of Serbia (NPS), delivered a scathing critique of the current administration’s refusal to accept accountability.
Aleksić asserted that the leadership of the state will never fulfill the demands set forth by protesters following those tragedies—or the more recent demands following the deadly canopy collapse at the Novi Sad Railway Station—because doing so would lead them directly to prison.
A Failed Shield for the Vulnerable
In a statement shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Aleksić noted that the failure to meet these demands lies solely with “those who have usurped power and the state,” rather than with society or justice advocates.
“The mass murders that occurred three years ago hit us right in the face,” Aleksić stated. “They were a tragic warning that, as a society, we were not up to the task of protecting those who needed it most. Nearly all of Serbia was in the streets then. People didn’t come out for politicians; they came out because they were angry, because they wanted justice and a safe country for everyone.”
Systemic Failures and the Path to Change
Aleksić highlighted that the public has become acutely aware of the consequences of systemic state failures. He drew parallels between the 2023 protests and the current demands made by “Students in Blockade” following the Novi Sad tragedy, emphasizing a shared desire for:
- Equal application of the law for all citizens.
- A state free of corruption.
- Accountability for institutional oversights.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, he noted that one in four voters chose the opposition—the highest margin since the SNS (Serbian Progressive Party) took power. He argued that the only way to achieve justice is through a change of government via the ballot box.
A Call for Unity Against the Regime
The NPS leader admitted the necessity of learning from past mistakes and analyzing the actions of the opposition. He warned that the current regime consistently relies on dividing the opposition to maintain its grip on power.
“For change, justice, and a functional system in these unequal circumstances, we need the unity of all anti-regime forces,” Aleksić concluded. “We need inclusion and addition, not exclusion and subtraction.”
