Silent Vigil for Novi Sad Victims Turns into Heated Discussion on Student Protests

Izvor
KoSSev
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In the heart of the city, citizens gathered to once again pay tribute to the 15 victims who lost their lives in the tragic collapse of the renovated canopy at Novi Sad railway station. Around 150 students and residents stood in silence for 15 minutes, honoring the memory of the deceased. However, what began as a solemn commemoration quickly transformed into a heated public debate on the student protests in general, as well as the broader socio-political landscape in Serbia.

This marked the fourth protest and the third organized by students from the University of Pristina, temporarily headquartered in North Mitrovica. The students invited citizens to join them, and today’s turnout was notably larger, attracting people from all generations.

Silent Tribute Turns into Open Debate

Among the attendees was Marijana Perović, a student originally from Zubin Potok, currently studying in Belgrade. As she gave a statement to the media, expressing solidarity with the students in Mitrovica and those protesting across Serbia, an older citizen engaged her in an impromptu debate.

The discussion quickly escalated into a broader exchange of opposing views on the ongoing student protests and Serbia’s political situation.

“Students Are Controlled by Foreign Influences?”

The elderly man asked Perović to distance herself from what he called “students paid by foreign agents aiming to destabilize Serbia.”

“Distance yourself from those students, and we’ll support all your demands and demonstrations. We want a future for our children, but not through the opposition funded by those who seek to destroy our country,” he said.

Perović responded calmly, emphasizing that students only have clear and just demands.

“They haven’t declared support for any side. Their requests are basic human rights that we should already have. It should be normal that no one beats us in the streets. We shouldn’t have to demand such things,” she said.

She highlighted the need to hold accountable those responsible for the Novi Sad tragedy and called for the release of detained students.

When the man insisted that all student demands had already been met, Perović advised him to “get better informed” before politely excusing herself from the conversation.

 Claims of a European Plot

The man, undeterred, continued speaking to reporters, reiterating his belief that foreign actors—particularly the European Union—were behind efforts to destabilize Serbia. He criticized media outlets such as N1, Euronews, and Tanjug, accusing them of biased reporting based on who funds them.

He also questioned why Vladan Đokić, the rector of the University of Belgrade, allegedly met with Emanuele Giaufret, the head of the EU delegation in Serbia, rather than participating in talks with President Vučić.

“What’s he doing with Giaufret? Vučić called him to talk, and he refused. He went to Giaufret instead. Do I need to explain why? Any smart person knows,” he concluded, accusing the EU of orchestrating a campaign against Serbia.

“Students Have Given Us Hope”

The heated monologue was interrupted by another elderly citizen, who passionately defended the students.

“They’re fighting for truth and justice, not lies! Officials have taken our hope and freedom. Thank you, students, for giving us at least some hope back. Freedom is still far away, but you’ve given us a glimpse,” he said.

He listed what had allegedly „misled“ the youth—truth and justice. “That’s all the students are misled by,” he added.

“You and I are the past of Serbia,” he told the other man. “This youth is our future. They’re lighting the way for us. We may not have freedom yet, but at least they’ve returned our hope.”

Advice and Messages for the President

Both men were later asked what message they would send to President Aleksandar Vučić.
The first urged him to support students “but only in matters related to their academic demands.”

The second, however, was more direct:

“He has only one option—to resign and never appear on the political scene again. That’s what the youth of Serbia demands.”

He also criticized Vučić’s policy on Kosovo, describing it as “giving everything for nothing.”
“Vučić gave everything to Kurti, not me,” he concluded with frustration.

North Mitrovica Silent Protest: Generational Divide on Display


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