WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR: M.J. GDNUS
Two protests took place yesterday in the center of Belgrade. One was organized by students who have been blocking universities across the country since November 2024, demanding snap elections. The other involved citizens who say they support Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
A few minutes after the student-organized rally at Slavija, unrest broke out in Belgrade.
We continue to follow the developments after the protest:
22:00 Citizens heading toward Mostarska Loop
According to an N1 reporter covering the protest in front of the Palace of Justice, gathered citizens and students began moving toward Mostarska Loop.
21:22 Street blockades in Novi Sad
Following a call by assemblies in Novi Sad, a large number of citizens gathered at 8 PM on the university campus and began blocking intersections by pushing trash containers into the streets to form barricades, also using fencing from a nearby construction site.
20:53 Another student detained
A student from the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš, D.S., was just detained, according to his peers on social media.
They claim the arrest was made by an unidentified plainclothes individual who did not identify themselves, show a badge, or explain the reason for the arrest.
20:30 Riot police deployed in Belgrade streets
Riot police were deployed around the Palace of Justice, where a protest began just before 8 PM, reports N1.
The protest, involving students and citizens, was organized in response to arrests made during yesterday's demonstrations. Protesters blew whistles and shouted slogans such as “Free them all” and “Vučić, resign.”
18:12 Physical blockade begins in Zemun: Containers and fences in the middle of the street
On social media platform X, two posts indicated that a “physical blockade in Zemun” had begun. Photos clearly show containers and fences placed in the middle of the road.
17:02 Six students arrested for allegedly plotting a violent overthrow of the government
Six students were arrested today in Serbia on suspicion of plotting a violent overthrow of the constitutional order.
The arrests were made in a joint operation by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Security-Information Agency, under the order of the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade.
The arrested are L.S. from Zaječar, I.M. from Smederevo, L.S. from Kragujevac, B.B. from Belgrade, N.P. from Sombor, and D.D. from Niš. Authorities say the operation is ongoing.
16:48 New arrest: Philosophy student detained in Belgrade
A student from the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad was detained today in Belgrade, according to students participating in the blockade.
16:40 Students call for gathering in front of the Prosecutor’s Office
Students involved in the blockade announced a gathering at the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade at 8 PM and invited citizens to join.
“Yesterday we witnessed brutal police violence. Our friends and comrades were beaten unconscious, and even ambulances were blocked. Many citizens were arrested, including students,” the statement reads.
They emphasized that this is not the time to back down and that citizen presence provides safety, support, and a chance for someone’s freedom.
15:25 Student from Niš arrested
Law student Dimitrije Dimić from Niš was detained in Belgrade, according to the Informal Student Group of Niš.
Media reports suggest more students participating in faculty blockades are being arrested.
14:56 48-hour detention ordered for three individuals: First Prosecutor’s Office issues statement
The First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade released a statement regarding the clashes between citizens and police that occurred after the protest at Slavija.
"Regarding the incidents following the protest titled ‘See You on Vidovdan’ held on June 28, 2025, the on-duty public prosecutor has ordered 48-hour detention for Đ.J. (54), S.R. (26), and P.P. (23) for assaulting an official while performing official duties (Article 323 of the Criminal Code).
Additional charges are being processed against others, including D.S. (39) for endangering public safety and M.S. (59) for assaulting an official. A misdemeanor procedure has been initiated against A.E. (24)."
14:08 Riot police stationed outside police precinct
Police in riot gear appeared outside the “29th November” police station, positioning themselves behind a fence as citizens made noise on the other side.
12:23 Protest in front of “29th November” station
Veterinary students and citizens protested in front of the police station where their colleague, arrested on Saturday evening, was reportedly held.
12:10 President Aleksandar Vučić addressed the public at a press conference.
10:45 Veterinary students call for protest
Veterinary students in the blockade posted on platform X that their detained colleague was at the “29th November” police station and called on citizens to gather there at noon.
“After hours of searching and misleading information from the police, we discovered our colleague is being held there until Monday morning, when he will appear before a prosecutor,” they wrote.
09:53 SSP: Baton-wielding attackers used as pretext for police brutality
The Freedom and Justice Party (SSP) stated that a group of baton-wielding individuals—allegedly provoked—was used as a pretext for brutal police action against all protesters.
They claim President Vučić is solely responsible for the events that unfolded after the Slavija protest and urged citizens to continue their peaceful struggle.
09:02 Police director: Protesters blocked ambulance from helping injured officer
Police Director Dragan Vasiljević said an ambulance was called for an injured officer, but protesters in Knez Miloš Street refused to let it through. Videos of the incident were shared on social media.
08:22 Petković and Kokanović released: “They didn’t even say why we were detained”
Environmental activists Nebojša Petković and Zlatko Kokanović were released after being detained during the protests.
Petković stated that authorities gave no explanation for the detention.
08:18 Prime Minister Macut thanks police for “professional response”
Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut publicly thanked law enforcement for preventing more serious incidents and protecting citizens and property.
He condemned the violence and said opinions in Serbia must be expressed peacefully.
08:11 FDU students report another arrest
Students from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts (FDU) said their colleague was detained after the “See You on Vidovdan” protest.
“He walked away from the group and was immediately surrounded and detained,” they wrote.
They emphasized solidarity: “None of us is alone. Everyone to Majke Jevrosime.”
Shortly after the student protest ended at Slavija, several incidents erupted downtown.
Police intervened in Knez Miloš Street, King Alexander Boulevard, and Slavija, pushing citizens back.
Stun grenades were heard, and reporters said pepper spray was used — a claim denied by police director Vasiljević.
At a press conference, he said only minimal force was used. According to him, dozens of “hooligans” were arrested, six police officers and two citizens were injured.
