Serbian opposition groups in Kosovo have announced plans for members of their community to travel to Belgrade next week to form a “human shield” in front of the Serbian Presidency, aiming to “defend” President Aleksandar Vučić from what he describes as a “color revolution.” Reports indicate that potential incidents cannot be ruled out as part of this effort.
Opposition organizations claim that the initiative is orchestrated by Srpska Lista, the dominant Serbian political party in Kosovo, which is backed by Belgrade and Vučić himself. However, these claims have not been independently verified. Despite attempts by Radio Free Europe to contact Srpska Lista and the Serbian Presidency, no response was received regarding the alleged mobilization.
The timing of this initiative coincides with ongoing student-led protests in Serbia, demanding accountability for the collapse of a shelter at Novi Sad railway station, which claimed 15 lives in November 2023. Vučić has described these protests as an attempt to overthrow the state through a “color revolution,” similar to movements that toppled authoritarian regimes in former Soviet republics.
Kosovo Serbs Reportedly Used for Political Maneuvering
The National Movement of Serbs from Kosovo “Otadžbina,” the Serbian National Forum, and the Serbian National Council have collectively stated that Srpska Lista is preparing to send around 500 Kosovo Serbs to Belgrade, where they will set up tents in front of the Serbian Presidency to counter the March 15 protest. They also allege that participants are promised financial compensation, food, and beverages for their involvement.
Branimir Stojanović, a Serbian politician from Gračanica, expressed concerns that Kosovo Serbs are being exploited for political purposes, calling the mobilization an effort to undermine the student-led demonstrations. He warned that previous mobilizations led to severe incidents, including last year’s clashes in northern Kosovo.
In May 2023, Serbian demonstrators clashed with NATO’s KFOR forces following Kosovo’s takeover of municipal buildings in the north, resulting in over 100 injuries. Tensions escalated further in September when armed Serbian militants attacked Kosovo police in Banjska, killing one officer and leading to a deadly confrontation.
The latest reports suggest that the Serbian government may use Kosovo Serbs in a staged incident in Belgrade to justify security crackdowns. As political unrest in Serbia continues, the mobilization of Kosovo Serbs adds another layer of complexity to the region’s ongoing tensions.
