Students involved in the ongoing blockade movement in Belgrade have publicly accused several organizations and activists of “destructive behavior” and attempting to co-opt the student movement. Those targeted, however, argue that such accusations only deepen divisions at a moment when unity is essential.
While student groups in Novi Sad are deeply engaged in preparations for local elections in Mionica, Negotin, and Sečanj, the Belgrade plenums have issued what can only be described as a complete and uncompromising severance from other actors in the movement.
In a post on Instagram, the group Students in Blockade accused members of the Inquiry Commission, the Rebel University, and various activist groups — as well as political parties — of attempting to influence decision-making inside the student movement.
They specifically named Professor Tanasije Marinković, claiming he and others close to opposition circles attempted to steer student decisions.
Professor Marinković sharply rejected the allegations, saying that such accusations amount to political discrimination and targeted harassment:
“This kind of targeting of individuals and even political parties is discriminatory, constitutes harassment, and is itself illegal. Not even the illegitimate institution known as Aleksandar Vučić has the right to prohibit people from exercising their freedoms or contributing to the struggle against his regime.”
Students also singled out Novi Sad lawyer Srđan Kovačević, accusing him of turning the “NS Zbor” group into a para-opposition structure. They further warned that activists from Sviće, Bravo, Mladi Borba, and several youth wings of political parties have intensified their activities, which the students claim are “destructive.”
Activists, however, argue that the statement itself is what weakens the movement:
“This announcement may make people question whether they should continue giving unconditional support to the student movement — which, in this moment, directly benefits the regime,” said activist Emilija Milenković.
While the internal rifts in Belgrade grow, students in Novi Sad responded more succinctly, stressing that the only “fence” that matters is the one separating citizens from the criminality and corruption fostered by the Vučić regime:
“There is only one enemy: the system of crime, corruption, and those responsible for creating it.”
Several of those mentioned in the accusations — lawyer Srđan Kovačević, the Bravo movement, and Novi Sad student groups — declined to comment, citing the importance of focusing on upcoming local elections, which they consider their priority.
This episode once again highlights the deep fractures created in Serbia’s civic sector, fractures that many argue are the direct consequence of the authoritarian tactics and pressure exerted by Aleksandar Vučić’s government, which has systematically sought to divide, intimidate, and discredit all forms of organized dissent.
