Professor Dejan Mirović has high praise for the new generation of Serbian students, describing them as more resilient, just, and united than their predecessors. „This generation is absolutely better than us,“ he stated in an exclusive interview with KoSSev.
Recalling the powerful moment he witnessed at Republic Square on the eve of a major student gathering, Mirović compared their determination to historic struggles. „It was as if they had crossed Albania, like the wounded Solunski front soldiers, yet their energy could not be overshadowed by lies or propaganda,“ he said.
Honoring the Victims in Kosovska Mitrovica
Mirović announced his intention to participate in the 10th commemorative event, „15 Minutes of Silence for 15 Victims,“ marking the collapse of the railway station canopy in Novi Sad in North Mitrovica.
The professor was among the first academic figures to publicly support student protests as early as December, alongside three colleagues. Their stance prompted a reaction from the rectorate, which distanced itself from them while expressing support for President Aleksandar Vučić. Subsequently, over 300 students from the university signed a petition in solidarity with their protesting peers.
Professors as Role Models
While Mirović adheres to his subject matter in lectures at the Faculty of Law, he believes that professors must also lead by example. „Professors should demonstrate that they are the intellectual elite and serve as guides for students. Our choice is to support them,“ he emphasized.
Calling on other academics to rally behind the student movement, Mirović urged his colleagues to gather at Šumadija Square.
A Turning Point in Serbia’s Political Landscape
The professor commended the bravery of Kosovo-based students, noting that their struggles take place in harsher conditions than in central Serbia.
„I have never seen a larger gathering in Belgrade than this past Saturday. I witnessed both October 5th and March 9th, but this was incredible. It proves that the better part of society stands with the students.“
However, Mirović expressed deep concern over the alleged use of a sonic weapon against protesters. Recounting his experience near the Beograđanka building, he described a chilling moment during the silence for fallen victims: „Suddenly, I saw a massive wave of people moving away from something. I first thought it was a vehicle plowing through the crowd—a truck, perhaps—but then I heard a sound unlike anything before. It was otherworldly, something between a mechanical and an electric noise. Despite the government’s denials, I know what I heard.“
Mirović insists that the alleged use of a sonic weapon was not an accident but an orchestrated act of „state terrorism.“ He directly accused the Serbian president of ordering its deployment. „I am personally convinced that the order came from the president. Why he did it will be revealed through a criminal investigation—God willing.“
The Need for a Transitional Government
Mirović believes the government’s response to the protests marks a turning point in Serbian politics. „The initial shock is giving way to a clearer perception of the government, which has become so detached from the people that it almost seems to despise them for demanding their democratic rights and constitutional protections.“
While he refrains from predicting the outcome of the crisis, he hopes for a peaceful resolution. However, he warns that such an outcome depends on both sides. „The president acts like an ancient Roman ruler who, in the empire’s later days, began to believe he was greater than the people themselves.“
Looking ahead, Mirović asserts that Serbia cannot continue on its current path.
„There are only two paths—one of violence, sonic weapons, and deception, which we hope will not repeat, and another through democratic elections and a transitional expert government.“
He argues that fair elections under current conditions are impossible, advocating for a temporary expert-led administration to establish proper electoral standards. „Before any elections, there must be a transitional government with a minimum six-month mandate to ensure fair conditions.“
Students as a Political Force
According to Mirović, students have now surpassed all opposition parties in popularity. This, he suggests, should serve as a wake-up call for the opposition, which has so far failed to rise to the occasion.
He also criticized recent violent scenes in the Serbian parliament, calling them counterproductive. „Such acts harm not only the opposition but also Vučić himself. The people do not want to see such behavior in their parliament.“
Finally, Mirović did not rule out the possibility of students and their professors forming a new political alternative for Serbia. „Whether students will follow the path of the former Otpor movement or join forces with the academic community remains to be seen. They must learn from past mistakes, but the choice is ultimately theirs.“
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
