Thousands of students and citizens took to the streets today in Belgrade under the banner “The Index is Stronger than the Baton”, protesting against police actions and the alleged excessive use of force during previous demonstrations.
The protest began at 2:00 PM in front of the Government of Serbia and continued along a six-kilometer route through central Belgrade, stopping at several key points, including the Palace of Justice, the Unit for Protection of Certain Persons and Objects (JZO), and concluding at the Internal Control Sector of the Ministry of Interior (MUP) in New Belgrade.
At the final location, protesters blocked traffic on Bulevar Zorana Đinđića and poured red paint in front of the MUP building as a symbolic gesture. Participants also shouted slogans against the police and government authorities, demanding resignations, elections, and accountability for alleged misuse of force.
Student activists emphasized that their actions are not violent but a form of self-defense against unlawful treatment. Student Milica Kostin stated, “The baton was used against unarmed students and citizens. The Index is in a state of self-defense. Self-defense is not violence.”
In Novi Sad, students at the Faculty of Philosophy staged a collective study session, occupying the hall with their books to send a message against media accusations that they oppose the examination period.
The protest was largely peaceful, with student marshals helping organize the march and a visible presence of civilian police in surrounding areas, though no uniformed officers were stationed directly at the MUP entrance.
Organizers reiterated that Monday will mark a continued escalation, urging citizens to take to the streets until demands for transparency, accountability, and reform are met.
