Student Protests in Serbia: Voices for Systemic Change Gather Momentum
A gathering in Šabac calls for action against perceived governmental injustices as further protests are planned.
Student protests commenced today in Šabac at 11:52 AM, beginning with a sixteen-minute tribute to the victims of the recent collapse of an awning in front of the train station in Novi Sad, resulting in fatalities.
The protests, organized under the slogan "Are We Going to Protest in Šabac?
Yes, We Are," aimed to mobilize participation and provoke discussion about systemic issues facing Serbia.
By 5 PM, marathon runners from Belgrade had joined the student bloc, alongside cyclists from Loznica, Sremska Mitrovica, Novi Sad, and Belgrade.
Among the speakers at the protest were university professors and environmental activists, with student leader Rastko Vuković calling upon attendees to participate in a subsequent gathering scheduled for June 10 in Lazarevac.
Vuković emphasized the need for collective action, stating, "We will not allow fear and violence to be instruments of governance.
This is a moment to engage and demonstrate our role in this struggle.
It is not the time for indifference and silence; together we can alter a failing system and restore the dignity that is rightfully ours."
Zlatko Kokanović, a representative from the movement "We Will Not Give Up Jadar," addressed the gathering, asserting that the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) views free-thinking individuals merely as resources.
Kokanović expressed a desire for the fulfillment of their demands and for elections to be conducted in a fair manner.
He criticized the current governance, stating, "Here are all rational and free-thinking individuals as opposed to a tide of corruption and crime." He recalled how corruption has had severe consequences, highlighting a specific incident in Novi Sad on November 1.
Professor Imre Krizmanić from the University of Belgrade issued a heartfelt apology to the youth of Serbia, acknowledging the failures of prior generations.
He articulated grievances regarding governmental actions that have seemingly led to a climate of fear and repression.
"If our collective future is only a fear of falling awnings and arrest for dissenting thoughts, we must question the nature of that future and whose it truly is," he stated.
The protest, titled "Are We Going to Protest in Šabac?
Yes, We Are," is set to continue with a ceremonial laying of wreaths by war veterans at the Memorial for World War II victims in the same square.
Following the speeches, a musical segment of the protest began, which had been programmed to start after the commemorative silence for the sixteen victims of the Novi Sad tragedy.
An additional concert featuring bands has been scheduled for 6:30 PM. The event is also expected to conclude with another tribute to the Novi Sad victims at 12:00 AM.
Yesterday, a group of pedestrian activists from Bogatić and Loznica, as well as cyclists from Valjevo, arrived in Šabac to join the ongoing protests.
The protests, organized under the slogan "Are We Going to Protest in Šabac?
Yes, We Are," aimed to mobilize participation and provoke discussion about systemic issues facing Serbia.
By 5 PM, marathon runners from Belgrade had joined the student bloc, alongside cyclists from Loznica, Sremska Mitrovica, Novi Sad, and Belgrade.
Among the speakers at the protest were university professors and environmental activists, with student leader Rastko Vuković calling upon attendees to participate in a subsequent gathering scheduled for June 10 in Lazarevac.
Vuković emphasized the need for collective action, stating, "We will not allow fear and violence to be instruments of governance.
This is a moment to engage and demonstrate our role in this struggle.
It is not the time for indifference and silence; together we can alter a failing system and restore the dignity that is rightfully ours."
Zlatko Kokanović, a representative from the movement "We Will Not Give Up Jadar," addressed the gathering, asserting that the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) views free-thinking individuals merely as resources.
Kokanović expressed a desire for the fulfillment of their demands and for elections to be conducted in a fair manner.
He criticized the current governance, stating, "Here are all rational and free-thinking individuals as opposed to a tide of corruption and crime." He recalled how corruption has had severe consequences, highlighting a specific incident in Novi Sad on November 1.
Professor Imre Krizmanić from the University of Belgrade issued a heartfelt apology to the youth of Serbia, acknowledging the failures of prior generations.
He articulated grievances regarding governmental actions that have seemingly led to a climate of fear and repression.
"If our collective future is only a fear of falling awnings and arrest for dissenting thoughts, we must question the nature of that future and whose it truly is," he stated.
The protest, titled "Are We Going to Protest in Šabac?
Yes, We Are," is set to continue with a ceremonial laying of wreaths by war veterans at the Memorial for World War II victims in the same square.
Following the speeches, a musical segment of the protest began, which had been programmed to start after the commemorative silence for the sixteen victims of the Novi Sad tragedy.
An additional concert featuring bands has been scheduled for 6:30 PM. The event is also expected to conclude with another tribute to the Novi Sad victims at 12:00 AM.
Yesterday, a group of pedestrian activists from Bogatić and Loznica, as well as cyclists from Valjevo, arrived in Šabac to join the ongoing protests.
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