Serbia Erupts: Historic Student-Led Protest Demands Justice and Reform

March 19, 2025

Protesters in Belgrade burned flares as thousands of people from all over Serbia took part in the largest protest to date against the country’s president, Aleksandar Vucic, on March 15, 2025 [Image credit: Andrej Isakovic/Agence France-Press via Getty Images]

Over the weekend, Serbia witnessed the largest protest in its history as the student-led movement held a rally under the slogan “15th for the 15” which brought massive crowds to the streets of Belgrade. Estimates of attendance vary widely, with Serbian officials reporting 107,000 participants, while independent media suggest the number was even higher. The Archive of Public Gatherings, an NGO that specializes in crowd estimation, placed the turnout at approximately 325,000. Protesters traveled from all corners of the country, with some even making the journey on foot after transportation to Belgrade was suspended—leading many to accuse transport companies of siding with the government to suppress dissent.

The movement, originally sparked by outrage over a deadly infrastructure failure, has now expanded into a nationwide call for accountability and systemic reform. In November, a concrete canopy collapsed at a newly renovated train station in Novi Sad, one of Serbia’s largest cities, killing 15 people. Many blame the disaster on government corruption and negligence. What began as a demand for justice for the victims has since evolved into a broader movement against corruption, authoritarian rule, and the suppression of civil liberties.

During Saturday’s protest, demonstrators chanted the movement’s slogan, “Pump it!” as they marched. However, the event took a shocking turn when reports surfaced that a military-grade sonic weapon was used to disperse protesters—an allegation Serbian officials deny. This illegal weapon, known for emitting targeted sound waves that cause sharp ear pain, disorientation, and panic, can lead to irreversible hearing damage with prolonged exposure. Footage from the rally shows a moment of chaos as protesters, observing a 15-minute silence, suddenly fled in panic after hearing an unfamiliar sound. Opposition officials and human rights groups have vowed to take legal action, filing charges with the European Court of Human Rights and domestic courts against those responsible.

Authorities also reported 22 arrests, and many protesters experienced disruptions to mobile and internet networks, raising further concerns about government tactics to suppress dissent. Despite these measures, the student-led movement has gained momentum, drawing support from judges, farmers, and other members of society. Earlier protests led to the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and the mayor of Novi Sad in late January, but many protesters see these resignations as mere political maneuvers rather than genuine change.

The protesters’ demands have expanded beyond accountability for the Novi Sad tragedy. HRRC is calling on the Serbian government to meet the demands of the protesters:

Publish all documents related to the Chinese-led renovation of Novi Sad railway station prior to the disaster.
Prosecute those involved in attacking students and professors during protests, with dismissal if proven to be public officials.
Halt the prosecution of students arrested during the protests.
Increase the budget for higher education by 20%.

In addition, hold accountable those responsible for inciting panic and using sonic weapons against peaceful protesters.

Glossary

Authoritarian Rule – A system of governance where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group, with limited political freedoms and suppression of opposition.
Canopy – A covering, often made of metal or concrete, that provides shelter or protection, such as those found at train stations or public spaces.
Concrete – A strong building material made from cement, water, sand, and gravel, commonly used in construction.
Dissent – The expression of opinions that go against the prevailing authority or government policies.
Disorientation – A state of confusion or lack of awareness, often caused by external factors such as loud noises or physical attacks.
Disperse – To break up or scatter a group of people, often by force or external pressure.
Dismissal – The act of removing someone from their job or position, often as a consequence of misconduct or poor performance.
Independent Media – News organizations that operate free from government control, often providing objective or critical coverage of political and social issues.
Infrastructure – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for a society to function, such as roads, bridges, railways, and power systems.
Maneuvers – Strategic or tactical actions taken to achieve a specific goal, often used in political or military contexts.
Momentum – The force or drive that keeps a movement or activity progressing and gaining strength.
Negligence – Failure to take proper care in doing something, often leading to harm or unintended consequences.
Opposition – A group or movement that challenges or resists the actions or policies of those in power.
Prosecute – To bring legal action against someone, usually for a crime or wrongdoing, leading to trial and potential punishment.
Resignation – The voluntary act of stepping down from a position, often due to pressure or scandal.
Slogan – A short, memorable phrase used to convey a message or represent a movement, organization, or campaign.
Sonic Weapon – A device that uses sound waves to cause pain, disorientation, or panic, sometimes used in crowd control.
Suppress – To forcibly prevent or restrain an action, movement, or expression, often used in reference to protests or political opposition.
Systemic Reform – Comprehensive changes to an entire system, such as government, laws, or institutions, to address deep-rooted problems.

Sources

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Serbia Erupts: Historic Student-Led Protest Demands Justice and Reform

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