Massive Belgrade Protests Demand Reform Amid Corruption Scandal; Sound Cannon Allegations Emerge

March 17, 2025
Massive Belgrade Protests Demand Reform Amid Corruption Scandal; Sound Cannon Allegations Emerge
  • While the students do not explicitly call for Vucic's resignation, they seek functional institutions and the rule of law, rejecting his authority.

  • Participants expressed a desire for effective governance, emphasizing the need for institutions to function properly regardless of the ruling party.

  • The movement has fostered a sense of solidarity among participants, many of whom are learning about civic engagement and the political system through their activism.

  • The protests have largely sidelined the political opposition, as demonstrators aim to avoid being co-opted by any political party.

  • Despite initial chaos, opposition members disrupted discussions by blowing horns and whistles, reflecting the intensity of the protests.

  • Tens of thousands gathered in Belgrade on March 15, 2025, for a major protest against corruption and the Serbian government, following a deadly incident that has fueled public outrage against President Aleksandar Vucic.

  • RTS issued a statement urging students to end the blockade, citing it as contradictory to their previous calls for institutional freedom.

  • Interestingly, police have shown signs of reluctance to suppress the protests, with some officers expressing solidarity with demonstrators.

  • Professor Biljana Stojkovic stated that the regime is incapable of meeting the protesters' demands, highlighting the need for systemic change to achieve justice and rights.

  • Prominent figures, including athletes and artists, have joined the students in their demands for change, emphasizing the need for a better society.

  • The European Commission has called for a transparent investigation into the alleged use of sound cannons against peaceful protesters, underscoring the need for the protection of protest participants.

  • Videos circulating on social media show crowds being dispersed by an invisible sound, though the authenticity of these recordings remains unverified.

Summary based on 337 sources


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