Student protests in Serbia and my role in them
On the first of november a horrible tragedy shocked my country and all the people in it. 15 people (16 as of three days ago) lost their lives when a concrete slab they were standing under collapsed and crushed them. That concrete slab was part of the awning to a recently renovated and reopened train station in Novi Sad.
To anyone looking at the case for longer then a few minutes it soon became clear that this wasn't just a freak accident, but instead a sign of deeply rooted corruption, of greedy and shameless politicians once again turning a blind eye on issues and stuffing their pockets full of taxpayer money and EU provided funds. When the first group of students stood up and held 15 minutes of silence for the people we lost they were beaten, harassed and arrested. It was clear to us that the ruling regime already decided that we would stay silent on this, and move on in the matter of days. Then one right after the other faculties including my own joined a student blockade. No lectures and no exams, not until 4 very simple demands are met. 1) Release all the documents in regards to the renovation project to the public 2) Release all the students who had been wrongfully apprehended 3) Arrest and charge all the people who assaulted all the peaceful student protesters 4) increase the budget for all state universities by 20% My faculty since then has been in blockade for a 100 days. My friends, fellow students and I have been fighting practically every day. Organizing and protesting, trying our best to keep our own spirits up and tell eachother that we can do this. We can prevail. These three months have been some of the most exhausting, heart wrenching yet beautiful months of my life. I have seen people finally stand up and hold their head high, and I have had a chance to scream and cry for all the frustration and anger that has built up in me for the 22 years that I've been alive. Serbian students, professors, teachers, and other essential workers have been harassed, targeted and doxxed for speaking up for what is right. On the 15th of march we held the biggest protest in Serbian history, with probably around 1 million people on the streets. That is 1/6th of our country's population. During the 15 minutes of silence held, the police used an unidentified device against, again I repeat, peaceful protesters. By all the accounts of the people present and affected, and some expert opinions, it is very possible that a sound canon was used. When accused of using an illegal weapon for no other reason then to harm his own people, our president (Local piece of shit, ego maniac and the face of corruption in this country) Aleksandar Vučić stated that that's made up nonsense. That Serbia does not own such weapons. A day later the story changed, yes we do own them, interior minister said, but theyre in warehouses and they have never been unpackaged or used. Are you surprised when a day later this photo was revealed? The exact weapon originally suggested, parked right behind the Parliament building where the protests were held.
There is so much I could say. I have impressions enough to last me a good few years.. I dont know who may end up reading this but I just wanted to share a glimpse into my real life off of my blog. Thank you, whoever got to the end of this.
