Belgrade's Big Protest: Students Lead the Charge Against the Government
Students Lead Nearly Eight-Month Protest
In Serbia's capital, a massive crowd gathered to push for change. Students, who have been at the forefront of protests for nearly eight months, organized the rally. They want early elections and an end to what they see as government corruption.
Protests Ignited by Tragic Accident
The protests started after a tragic accident. A train station roof collapsed, killing 16 people. Many believe this happened because of neglect and corruption in government projects. Since then, people have been taking to the streets to demand better.
Government Refuses to Respond
President Aleksandar Vucic and his party have not listened. They refuse to call for early elections. Instead, they accuse protesters of planning violence. Vucic's government has also been cracking down on universities and independent media.
Protesters Stand Their Ground
Despite the pressure, the protesters are not backing down. On the day of the rally, Vucic's supporters were also in the city. They set up a camp and wore shirts saying, "We won't give up Serbia." Meanwhile, Vucic was handing out awards to people he supports.
Significant Day for Serbia
The rally happened on a significant day for Serbia. It's a holiday that remembers a historic battle. Earlier in the week, police arrested people accused of plotting against the government. They also stopped some people from entering the country.
Train Services Halted Amid Alleged Threat
Train services were halted due to an alleged bomb threat. Critics say this was done to stop people from coming to the rally. This is not the first time something like this has happened. In March, a large protest was disrupted, and some believe authorities used a sonic weapon.
Vucic's Authoritarian Shift
Vucic has been in power for over a decade. He started as a nationalist but has become more authoritarian. While he says he wants Serbia to join the EU, critics say he has been strengthening ties with Russia and China instead.