Belgrade protests demand media transparency after tragedy
Tens of thousands of people participated in a protest outside the headquarters of the Serbian public broadcaster RTS in Belgrade on Friday evening, demanding impartial coverage by public media regarding the protests and student blockades. "We believe that the end of this corrupt regime is near," protest participants told the Polish Press Agency (PAP).
The protests were organised by students who have been blocking more than 60 university departments across Serbia for weeks. The demonstrations are a response to the tragedy in Novi Sad, where on 1st November 2024, a part of the train station roof collapsed, killing 15 people.
The name of the protest "Our Right to Know Everything" echoes the RTS slogan "Your Right to Know Everything." The initiators presented a list of demands, including the identification and punishment of those attacking participants of previous gatherings.
"It's been almost three months since the accident, and as you can see, the protests are not weakening, even despite the winter. People are fed up and want change," a young protester admitted to PAP. "We are here today to fight against the media blackout in our country, but that is just one of the issues we are opposing," added another demonstrator.
The protesters brought a several-metre-long model of a sandwich for RTS director Dragan Bujoshević, referring to the snacks that activists of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) distribute to their supporters at political events.
The protest was accompanied by whistles, chants, and the banging on objects, which fell silent for 15 minutes to honour the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy.
A banner reading "RTS Employees Stand with the Students" was unfurled from the public television headquarters. The crowd responded with loud thanks.
Tragedy in Novi Sad
The authorities of Serbia claim that they have met all the demands of the protesters. President Aleksandar Vučić announced an advisory referendum on his removal, promising to adhere to the majority's will if his dismissal is voted for.
The collapse of the train station roof in Novi Sad happened a few months after its ceremonial opening following a three-year renovation. Prosecutors have charged 13 people, including former construction minister Goran Vesić, who resigned after the accident.
