Belgrade's Big Protest: Students Lead the Charge

Thousands of people filled the streets of Belgrade on a Saturday, marking the peak of months of protests against Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic and his government. The city was on high alert, with public transport shut down to control the crowds. Protesters gathered at various points across the capital, waving flags and making a lot of noise with whistles, drums, and vuvuzelas. Some held signs saying, "He's Done! " and chanted slogans like "Pump it Up, " which had become popular during the previous four months of student-led protests. The protests started after a tragic accident at a train station in Serbia's north, where a concrete canopy collapsed and killed 15 people. Many Serbians blamed the government's corruption and neglect for the disaster. Students have been at the forefront of these anti-corruption demonstrations, which have challenged Vucic's power after 13 years in charge. The rally in Belgrade was expected to be the largest anti-government protest in the country's history. Tensions were high. Police arrested a man who drove his car into a group of protesters, injuring three people. Hundreds of police officers were stationed around government buildings and the presidential palace. The authorities also canceled all public transport, supposedly for security reasons, but many saw it as a way to stop people from joining the protest. Even reporters from neighboring countries were turned back at the border. Vucic has repeatedly warned of plans for unrest and threatened arrests. He has also accused Western intelligence services of orchestrating the protests, though he has not provided any evidence. His supporters, including members of a notorious paramilitary unit and soccer hooligans, have been camping out in central Belgrade. This has fueled fears of violence, as these groups are known for causing trouble. Despite the tensions, the protests have been largely peaceful. Students have resonated with many citizens who are frustrated with politicians and have lost trust in state institutions. Previous student-led rallies in other Serbian cities have also drawn large, peaceful crowds. The students' movement has shown that even in the face of opposition, people can come together to demand change.