Hundreds of students and other demonstrators took to the streets in Serbia yesterday, targeting the state television, which they claim serves as a mouthpiece for President Vucic. The protesters accuse the broadcaster RTS of insufficient and inaccurate coverage of the demonstrations.
For years, RTS has been alleged to promote the government’s nationalist agenda. Protests intensified in November after a train station roof collapse in Novi Sad killed fifteen people.
The station had been recently renovated by Chinese construction firms. Serbia maintains close ties with China, evident from a May agreement to build a “shared future.” Protesters demand answers regarding the collapse, suspecting corruption and poor construction as factors.
Initially, President Vucic resisted demands but later promised to release all relevant documents. He also announced the release of students detained in earlier protests and an increase in the higher education budget by 20 percent.
While documents related to the renovation have been published, Serbian media have not reported any significant findings. Protests continue as not all demands have been met, particularly the arrest of those who allegedly attacked anti-Vucic demonstrators.
As a result, lectures at over 40 university faculties have been suspended for days.
Source: NOS