North Mitrovica witnessed another student-led protest, „15 Minutes of Silence,“ honoring the victims of the Novi Sad canopy collapse. The gathering was attended by around a hundred people, including students and older citizens.
The initiative, which has become a recurring event, featured a stronger presence of students this time. Through their participation, they sent a clear message of solidarity with their peers across Serbia and called for broader engagement in student-led protests.
„We Want Our Voices Heard“
Andrija Žuža, a student from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Pristina in North Mitrovica, emphasized the importance of amplifying their voices beyond their region.
„We have been too quiet compared to the rest of Serbia. It is crucial that Serbia hears us. We feel the need to support the student protests in Serbia—this is the most humane thing we can do,“ Žuža stated.
Nikola Marković, another student, echoed similar sentiments, quoting the song „Solidarnost“ by Elemental: „We are all on the same side.“
He described the protests as a symbol of the awakening of youth in Kosovo and Serbia as a whole.
Marković also noted that while professors at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts support their cause, they are unable to do so officially due to the political climate.
„Despite the circumstances, there are people who are not afraid to stand up and raise their voices. Ultimately, fighting for Serbia in this way is an act of immense courage. The fact that the student voice is being heard here in Kosovo is significant,“ he added.
„Together, We Are Stronger“
Jana Doder, a first-time participant in the „15 Minutes of Silence“ protest, highlighted the fears that still prevent many students from speaking out. However, she remains optimistic that this will change.
„I hope they stop being afraid and realize that together, we are stronger. Just stop being afraid—join us. This is a beautiful cause. We are fighting for truth, for justice, for a free country,“ Doder stated.
She also pointed out concerns over restricted freedoms, which she believes are pushing students to consider leaving Kosovo.
„We want freedom, we don’t want to be afraid anymore. Students fear they will have no choice but to leave. We don’t want to go—we love Serbia and want to stay and fight for it. We are true patriots because we want the best for our country and our people,“ she asserted.
Preparing for the Belgrade Protest
Looking ahead, students from North Mitrovica plan to take part in the upcoming major student protest in Belgrade on March 15. Some have already participated in large gatherings in Kragujevac and Niš, and preparations for their trip to the capital are in full swing.
„We will go. Transportation is being arranged thanks to generous individuals who want to support students. Some will even walk from other cities. We expect this to be the largest protest yet. Hopefully, this will be one of the last, and our demands will finally be met,“ Doder said.
Nikola Marković shares this hope: „I sincerely believe, with God’s help, that we will succeed.“
Meanwhile, Srđan Đorđević, the organizer of the first „15 Minutes of Silence“ gathering in North Mitrovica, confirmed that logistical arrangements for Belgrade are already in motion.
„As soon as the Niš protest ended, planning for Belgrade began. We already have a lot of people signed up. Everything is going as planned,“ Đorđević stated.
He described the Niš gathering as a „general rehearsal“ for the upcoming Belgrade demonstration.
Mitrovica Students and Citizens Hold Silent Tribute for Novi Sad Victims
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