Anti-government protesters in Serbia blocked access to the offices of state broadcasters in Belgrade and Novi Sad on Tuesday, barring employees from entering and forcing some live programming off the air.
The demonstrations, which began late Monday, are part of a four-month-long protest movement sparked by the collapse of a railway station roof in November that killed 15 people.
The protests, led by students and supported by teachers, farmers, and other citizens, have become the most significant challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic’s decade-long rule. Currently, tensions are mounting ahead of a major rally scheduled for March 15, with both protesters and authorities bracing for potential clashes.
Clashes Observed at RTS Headquarters in Belgrade
The blockade of Radio Televizija Srbije (RTS) headquarters in central Belgrade led to a brief clash between protesters and police. One police officer was injured during the incident, according to a statement from the Interior Ministry. Protesters, furious by what they perceive as biased reporting by the state broadcaster, barred employees from entering the building, forcing RTS to broadcast from alternative studios outside the city center.
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic confirmed that police were inside the building to secure it and would intervene if necessary. Dozens of protesters remained outside the RTS headquarters on Tuesday, according to Reuters witnesses.
Regional Broadcaster RTV Also Targeted in Novi Sad
Demonstrators also blockaded the offices of Radio Televizija Vojvodine (RTV) in Novi Sad, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of Belgrade. The blockade forced RTV to halt live broadcasting, further amplifying the impact of the protests.
The protests have drawn widespread support from Serbians who blame the November railway station disaster on rampant corruption, which they associate with President Vucic and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party.
In response to the unrest, the government has launched an anti-corruption campaign, leading to the resignation of former Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and two of his ministers.
Student Protesters Call for Accountability and Transparency
The student-led protesters are demanding the release of documents related to the railway station collapse and accountability for those responsible. Prosecutors have charged 13 people in connection with the disaster, but demonstrators argue that the government has not done enough to address systemic corruption.
President Vucic, however, has accused protesters of planning violent actions, claiming that clashes are inevitable.
“Violence will not be avoided. Plans have already been made that we know about,” Vucic told RTS late Monday. “We know who will pelt parliament with eggs, with stones and with torches.”
Why It Matters
The protests represent a significant challenge to Vucic’s administration, which has faced growing criticism over corruption and authoritarian tendencies. The movement has remained largely peaceful, but the blockade of state broadcasters and the potential for further clashes highlight the deepening divide between the government and its critics.
The upcoming rally on March 15 is expected to draw large crowds, with protesters vowing to continue their demands for transparency, accountability, and democratic reforms.
Meanwhile, maybe due to Vucic’s warnings of violence, protest leaders have called for peaceful demonstrations..
