Serbia’s student protests have reached a boiling point, with thousands of students gathering in Belgrade ahead of Saturday’s mass rally. The protests began following the collapse of a canopy at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1, which claimed 15 lives. Students are demanding that university classes resume no later than March 17 and are organizing a large-scale protest to push their demands.
However, not all students are united in their cause. A rival group, “Students Who Want to Study,” has emerged, led by Milos Pavlovic, who has ties to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). This group claims it represents the true voice of the student movement and is seeking to take control of the protests.
The authenticity of this group’s intentions has been called into question by experts, with some suggesting that it may be an orchestrated setup by the government. The group’s camp has been visited by SNS officials and former members of the disbanded Special Operations Unit, whose commanders were convicted of war crimes during the Balkan Wars.
As tensions rise, President Aleksandar Vucic is warning of potential violence and promising to crack down on protesters. However, students are demanding peaceful action and urging the government to meet their demands.
The outcome of Saturday’s protest is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Serbia’s student movement has the power to shape the country’s future. Whether it will be a turning point for the government remains to be seen.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/tension-in-belgrade-on-eve-of-major-student-protests/a-71924493