Serbian Student Protests

The Serbia Student Protests are events that began after 15 people lost their lives in a collapse at the train station in Novi Sad, Serbia, and escalated into mass demonstrations across country.

Serbia Student Protests, 15 March 2025 – Anadolu Ajansı

The protests centered on criticisms of corruption, infrastructure negligence, and the government’s lack of transparency. Particularly led by students, these actions gained broad societal support and transformed into large-scale government demonstrations.

Background

On 1 November 2024, the concrete canopy of the train station in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, collapsed, killing 15 people and injuring many others. The collapse occurred after a renovation project completed in 2022, sparking widespread public debate and road. Allegations of negligence and corruption during construction emerged, fueling public suspicion that government officials were linked to the project and echo widespread outrage.

Following the disaster, student groups and opposition parties called for protests demanding accountability from those responsible for the incident. During this period, students and academics who accused the government of failing to provide adequate explanations began organizing demonstrations in cities across the country.

Beginning and Spread of the Protests

Protests that began immediately after the collapse in Novi Sad spread within short to Belgrade and other major cities. Student and civil society organizations demanded the following from the government:

• Full public disclosure of all documents related to the Novi Sad train station disaster,
• Prosecution of officials found responsible for the collapse,
• Release of students and academics arrested during previous protests​

The student movement received support from various segments of society, with academics, teachers, farmers, and workers joining the demonstrations. On 11 March 2025, protests held in front of the Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS) saw students demanding impartial media coverage and temporarily blocking access to the building. Clashes with police occurred in some areas​.

Protests in front of the Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS), 11 March 2025 – Anadolu Ajansı

15 March 2025 Belgrade Demonstration

The student protest held in Belgrade on 15 March 2025 is recorded as one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in Serbia’s history.

Developments Before the Demonstration

Weeks before the protest, students from across the country began traveling to Belgrade on foot, by bicycle, and via public transport to movement. By 14 March, thousands had arrived in the capital, filling the central protest area with dense crowds. The government announced it had suspended nationwide rail services to limit participation, citing bomb as the official justification. This decision was viewed by protesters as an attempt to suppress participation.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić claimed the protest was a “West-backed conspiracy” and warned that those involved in violent incidents would be punished. Vučić also stated that security forces were prepared to intervene to maintain public. The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade issued a security advisory warning that the demonstrations could turn violent and advised U.S. citizens to avoid protest areas.USA’s Belgrade Embassy issued a security alert warning that the protests could escalate into violent incidents and advised U.S. citizens to stay away from protest zones.

Execution of the Demonstration

On 15 March, starting at approximately 16.00 local time, demonstrations began in front of the parliament building. According to independent sources, between 275,000 and 325,000 people participated. The government reported a turnout of 107,000. Protesters organized large marches through the city center to voice their demands. Crowds gathered in different parts of Belgrade and moved toward central points including Slavija Square, Terazije Boulevard, and Republic Square like.

Student groups organized marches along designated routes to ensure the protests remained peaceful and avoided direct confrontation with police. Demonstrators gathered in front of the state television station RTS, demanding impartial public broadcasting and temporarily blocking access to the building. Some farmers and workers joined the protesters, arriving with tractors to performance. Motorcycle groups also provided logistics support to the demonstrators.

Belgrade Demonstration, 15 March 2025 – AP News

Police Intervention and Incidents

Although the demonstration was largely peaceful, clashes occurred between police and protesters at certain locations. According to official statements, 56 people were injured and 22 were arrested. In some areas, protesters threw stones and fireworks, prompting police to use tear gas. Security forces erected barricades in specific zones to block protesters’ advance.

During the protests, some human rights organizations alleged that security forces used a banned acoustics weapon against demonstrators. In response, the Serbian government stated that no military-grade acoustic weapon had been used.

Thousands of students arriving in the capital Belgrade for the 15 March demonstration, 15 March 2025 – Anadolu Ajansı

Government and International Reactions

Government Statements

President Aleksandar Vučić stated in his remarks on the protests that his government would not resign and that demonstrators could not remove him from power. Government officials declared that necessary security measures would be taken to preserve public order and that those involved in violent acts during the protests would be prosecuted​.

Prime Minister Miloš Vučević submitted his resignation on 28 January 2025, following the demonstrations, leading to changes within the government.

International Reactions

Europe Parliament members urged the Serbian government not to intervene against peaceful demonstrations, warning that harsh crackdowns could negatively impact the country’s European Union accession process​.

International media and human rights organizations closely monitored developments during the protests, with some expressing concerns over press freedoms and democratic processes in Serbia​.