Redari, or security personnel, withdrew from a significant protest in Belgrade after chaos erupted outside the National Assembly.

Their strategy aligned with a commitment to maintain a peaceful demonstration, with an agreement to disband at any indication of unrest.

The decision came after the situation was deemed unsafe for participants.

Witnesses reported an incident during a 15-minute silence, leading to a stampede.

Investigations are focused on whether a sound cannon or another device was responsible for the panic among the crowd.

Students participating in the protest expressed that their demands remain unmet, vowing to continue blocking streets until their grievances are addressed.

Siniša Cvetić, a master’s student from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts at the University of Belgrade, commented on the withdrawal of security personnel, stating, "This is no longer a student protest.

Once the security pulled back, the protest became a civic demonstration.

We had a previous agreement to withdraw at the sign of any incident; we did not want to be involved in any unrest."

Cvetić emphasized the necessity of identifying the source of the disturbance, noting, “It is essential to establish what exactly happened.

Many people felt something unusual occur.” He pointed out that the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office is currently investigating the incident, while concerns linger over previous incidents involving violence against students.

Selma Kolašinac, a student at the State University of Novi Pazar, echoed Cvetić’s sentiments about the need for accountability, highlighting the students' determination to pressure the institutions to fulfill their responsibilities.

Kolašinac noted instances during the protest that warranted investigation, particularly concerning the sound that exacerbated the panic.

Mihajlo Andrejević, a law student at the University of Kragujevac, mentioned video footage indicating that something triggered the mass panic, describing the noise as intense enough to incite a stampede.

He questioned the absence of an explanation for the source of the sound, underscoring that if a sound cannon was not used, it raises further questions about who could possess and deploy such equipment.

Cvetić disputed claims that students caused panic, clarifying that their role was to maintain order.

He reiterated that the withdrawal was a precautionary measure based on pre-established agreements to ensure participants' safety.

Andrejević reaffirmed the students' commitment to their ongoing blockade, stating, "We will continue our blockades until our demands are fulfilled.

No matter what happens, we will not be deterred."

Kolašinac highlighted that students are resolved to continue their protests, maintaining that their demands have not been met.

She asserted, "If our demands had been met, we would not be in a blockade.

We stand united, and we will continue until our requests are acknowledged and fulfilled."

Responding to the portrayal of their actions as linked to any notion of a 'colored revolution,' both Cvetić and Andrejević distanced themselves from political organizations and asserted that their movement relies solely on support from citizens and independent funding.

They stressed a commitment to transparency and democratic processes, rejecting any association with outside funding or influences.

As the inquiry into the causes of the stampede continues, students maintain their resolve to not only advocate for their requests but also to hold accountable those responsible for any incidents that compromise public safety.