Serbian Anti-Government Protests Escalate as Demonstrators Block State Broadcasters
Mass protests in Serbia have intensified as anti-government demonstrators barricaded the offices of state broadcasters in Belgrade and Novi Sad, disrupting live programming and preventing employees from entering the buildings. The latest demonstrations, which began late on Monday, mark a significant escalation in the months-long unrest that has become the most serious challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic’s decade-long rule.
The protests, initially sparked by public outrage over the deaths of 15 people in a railway station collapse last November, have since grown into a broader movement against government corruption and alleged mismanagement. Students, teachers, farmers, and other citizens have joined forces, staging near-daily demonstrations demanding accountability and transparency. The blockade of state media outlets reflects mounting frustration with what protesters describe as biased reporting in favor of the government.
At the headquarters of Radio Televizija Srbije (RTS) in central Belgrade, a brief confrontation erupted between student-led demonstrators and police when authorities attempted to regain access to the building. One police officer was reportedly injured in the clash, though no arrests were made. The blockade forced RTS to relocate its broadcasts to studios outside the city center to continue operations. A similar protest took place in Novi Sad, where demonstrators prevented regional broadcaster Radio Televizija Vojvodine (RTV) from airing live programs.
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic confirmed that police had secured the RTS building and would intervene if protesters attempted to enter. However, dozens of demonstrators remained outside on Tuesday, vowing to continue their resistance. President Vucic, in a televised address, warned that further violence was inevitable, claiming that plans had already been made for aggressive demonstrations during an upcoming major rally scheduled for March 15. “We know who will pelt parliament with eggs, with stones, and with torches,” he stated, raising concerns about potential confrontations in the days ahead.
The root of the unrest lies in public distrust toward the government, particularly regarding the handling of the railway station disaster. Many Serbians believe that corruption and negligence contributed to the tragedy and that the government has failed to hold those responsible accountable. In an attempt to quell public anger, authorities have launched an anti-corruption campaign, leading to the resignation of former Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and two of his ministers. Prosecutors have also charged 13 individuals in connection with the train station collapse, though demonstrators insist that more must be done.
Protest leaders are demanding full transparency, calling for the release of documents related to the disaster and legal action against those they believe are ultimately responsible. With tensions escalating and a major demonstration looming, Serbia stands at a crossroads, facing growing unrest that could reshape the nation’s political landscape.
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