Students in Serbia marked National Student Day with a large-scale protest in Belgrade, demanding accountability from state institutions following the deadly collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad that killed 16 people.
The protest, led by students who have been blocking faculties for over four months, began with a symbolic gathering in front of the Institute of Pathology at the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Medicine. This site is historically significant, as student Žarko Marinović was killed there in 1936 while fighting for university autonomy.
“We are defending the legacy of free thought and university autonomy – a right that was hard-won and must be fiercely protected,” wrote the organizing students from the Faculty of Philosophy in their public call.
A moment of silence was held for Marinović, followed by a procession to the Faculty of Law, where protesters stood silently for 16 minutes to honor the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy. Speeches were made, and the protest choir from the Faculty of Music performed.
“It’s important that we continue this fight,” said Dunja Cvejanov, a student from the Faculty of Arts. “We’re showing this system that we won’t be cast aside so easily. Almost a century later, we’re still fighting the same systemic problems.”
From the Faculty of Law, the group marched to the New Cemetery where they paid tribute to Marinović at his grave.
University and Government Responses
University of Belgrade Rector Vladan Đokić extended congratulations to students, thanking them for their commitment to unity and the dignity of Serbia’s academic youth. He also expressed support for the protest’s demands, which led to backlash from pro-government media and officials.
Acting Education Minister Slavica Đukić Dejanović also acknowledged the day, urging the return to regular academic operations and stating that one of the students’ demands – increased budget for higher education – has been met.
Meanwhile, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić wore a T-shirt reading “I’m also Ćaci,” referencing a term coined by protesting students for opponents of the blockades. These counter-protesters, self-identified as “students who want to study,” have set up a camp near the Presidential Palace and are calling for an end to the blockades.
Vučić praised the group, claiming they “only want the right to study,” and accused the student protesters of seeking regime change through what he referred to as a “color revolution.”
Speaking from Sofia, where he is attending a Balkan summit, Vučić alleged—without evidence—that the protesting students would soon call for the formation of a transitional government. “But there will be no transitional government,” he emphasized. “A new government will be formed constitutionally, and we will preserve Serbia.”
Protester Demands
So far, the students have not made any public calls for regime change or a transitional government.
Their official demands include:
- Full publication of documents related to the reconstruction of the Novi Sad station.
- Legal action against individuals responsible for attacks on protesters during numerous incidents.
- Dropping of criminal charges against arrested demonstrators.
- A 20% increase in budgetary funds for higher education.
While authorities insist that student demands have been met and are urging students to reopen universities, students argue otherwise and vow to continue their blockades.
