Belgrade, Serbia – In the midst of ongoing student protests across Serbia, Telegram has become a focal point for discussions ranging from right-wing backing for students to accusations of a “color revolution” orchestrated by Western powers. These student-led protests began in late 2024, sparked by the tragic collapse at the Novi Sad train station, and have continued to spread throughout the country, with Telegram channels playing a pivotal role in shaping public perception.
One of the most prominent voices on Telegram is Dejan Berić, a controversial figure with over 113,000 followers. Berić, known for his pro-Russian sympathies and past association with separatist movements in Ukraine, has used his platform to warn protesters about the influence of NGOs and the pressure from the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). He has also expressed support for the students’ actions, urging them to abandon protest symbols like the “bloodied fist” in favor of the traditional Serbian salute of “three fingers.”
As the protests gained momentum, Telegram saw an increase in posts both in support and against the student movement. Right-wing and nationalist channels, such as “Evroazija” and “Vaseljenska,” have become central to the narrative, supporting the protests while criticizing opposition parties and external forces they claim are behind the unrest.
The “Evroazija” channel, with over 55,000 followers, has been especially vocal, framing the protests as a patriotic push for change while condemning any political actions that are not student-led. Meanwhile, some other Telegram channels, including “Vaseljenska,” have labeled the protests a “color revolution” — a term typically used to describe Western-backed uprisings aimed at destabilizing sovereign countries.
The protests have not been without controversy. Some Telegram posts criticized incidents such as the desecration of Serbian Christian symbols by students, while others expressed concerns about the potential exploitation of the student movement for political gain. With millions of people following the events on Telegram, the platform has become a powerful tool for shaping opinions on both sides of the debate.
At the same time, concerns have arisen about the role of Telegram in spreading disinformation, particularly given the platform’s lack of regulation compared to other social media networks. Telegram channels in Serbia, many of which support pro-Russian narratives, have increasingly been used to propagate unfounded conspiracy theories and political agendas.
As protests continue, the debate on Telegram is expected to intensify, with opposing groups using the platform to spread their respective messages, making it a key battleground for public opinion in Serbia.
