site.btaProtesters in Serbia Block Courthouse Entrances, Demand Release of Detained Activists

Serbian students and other members of the public gathered in front of the court and prosecution service building in Novi Sad early Thursday morning to demand the release of six activists from two organizations (Movement of Free Citizens and Students Against Authoritarian Rule). The activists were arrested two months ago on charges of violating the country's constitutional order. Their arrest was extended by another month on Tuesday, as reported by Serbian media.

One of the detained activists, high school teacher Marija Vasic, went on hunger strike following the court's decision to extend her detention.

The rally was chanting "Serbia" and "Release everyone". Several incidents involving clashes with police occurred during the unrest, while protesters were trying to block the four entrances to the courthouse. One student told regional television station N1 that pepper spray had been used on the protesters.

The charges are based on an audio recording that was released by several pro-government media in Serbia on March 14, on the eve of a big anti-government protest in Belgrade. Lawyers for the defendants argue that Serbia's Security Intelligence Agency illegally wiretapped this conversation, which is why it cannot be admitted as legally valid evidence in court.

On November 1, 2024, a concrete canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad collapsed, which led to 16 fatalities. The tragedy sparked a wave of social discontent in Serbia with protests, civil disobedience and blockades, mainly organized by students, blocking some 60 colleges in the country. The protesters allege that corruption that has eroded the Serbian government, which was the reason behind the low-quality reconstruction of the canopy. They demand that anyone responsible for the tragedy should be held politically and criminally accountable.

In early May, the students called for early parliamentary elections and announced that they would not run for parliament but would support a list of candidates who have not been part of the political life of the country yet.