Record-Breaking demonstrations expected in Serbia on Saturday: “Serbia’s future as a free country is at stake”

What started as a student protest has grown into the largest demonstrations in the country’s history. On Saturday, the biggest protest yet is planned, and it remains unclear how the government will respond.

“The government is trying everything—threats, disinformation, and violence. Serbia’s future as a free country is at stake, and yet the reactions outside of Serbia are few,” says Ivana Randjelovic, Head of the Europe Department at Civil Rights Defenders.

On November 1, 2024, a concrete canopy at a train station collapsed, killing 15 people. This tragedy became the catalyst for nationwide protests against corruption, calling for greater transparency and accountability from the country’s leaders.

Over the past four months, multiple mass protests have been organised, with the most recent one drawing around 100,000 people to the streets of Belgrade. The demonstration on Saturday is expected to be the largest yet.

“Counter-Protest Where Government Officials and Veterans Pose as Students”

Five days ago, a counter-protest group called “Students 2.0” emerged, claiming to represent students opposed to the demonstrations.

“It didn’t take long before many of these so-called students were identified as government officials. Others were veterans from the now-disbanded JSO militia—the group responsible for assassinating Serbia’s first democratically elected prime minister, Zoran Đinđić,” says Ivana Randjelovic.

According to Randjelovic, the Serbian government is using smear campaigns, violence, and media control in an attempt to silence the protests.

“Serbia stands at a crossroads—either we become the next Belarus, or we become a free country,” she adds.

Students lack international backing despite fighting for rule of law

Ivana Randjelovic from Civil Rights Defenders is disappointed by the international community’s silence on the situation in Serbia.

“The EU have long criticised Serbia for its lack of democratic reforms. Now that a mass movement in the country is demanding exactly that, the silence is striking. These protesters deserve international support,” says Ivana Randjelovic.

“These protests are not just about Serbia—they are part of a larger struggle for human rights and democracy in a region where these values are under threat. If this movement succeeds, it could inspire others, both in the Balkans and globally,” she adds.