Following the events of 15 March 2025, Serbia has witnessed mass protests that have drawn the attention of international media. Tens of thousands of citizens gathered in Belgrade to express dissatisfaction with the government of President Aleksandar Vučić, demanding greater accountability and transparency.
According to Serbia’s Ministry of Interior, the peak attendance of the demonstrations reached approximately 107,000 participants. However, the independent organisation Public Assembly Archive estimated that the turnout ranged between 275,000 and 325,000, indicating a significant difference in assessments.
The protests were reportedly fuelled by public outrage over a recent tragedy in Novi Sad, where the collapse of a railway station canopy resulted in 15 fatalities. This incident has intensified criticism of the authorities, with demonstrators accusing the government of negligence and mismanagement.
Amid the demonstrations, allegations emerged regarding the use of a prohibited sonic device by security forces to disperse protesters. While opposition leaders and human rights groups have called for an independent investigation, President Vučić has denied these claims and suggested the involvement of international agencies, including the FBI and Russia’s FSB, in reviewing the matter.
As tensions continue to rise, Serbia finds itself at a crossroads, with its citizens demanding greater governmental responsibility while the international community closely monitors developments.
Photo: Goran Srdanov