“WE ARE NOT CALLING FOR VIOLENCE, WE ARE CALLING FOR JUSTICE”: Students announce surprise ahead of protest; authorities warn of incursions into institutions!

Tensions in society are rising as tomorrow’s gathering, called by students in blockade in Belgrade, approaches. Over the past few days, more than 15 students have been detained, while Stefan Tomić, a student at the Faculty of Physics, was initially held in custody on suspicion of committing the criminal offense of “inciting violent change of the constitutional order,” but the High Court in Belgrade subsequently ordered him to house arrest. For the students in blockade, Tomić’s release from custody, or rather, the imposition of house arrest, “is not justice” but “a dangerous message to every free student.”

Meanwhile, the academics announced that the gathering on Vidovdan would be at Belgrade’s Slavija starting at 6 p.m., and they also stated that they “are not responsible for what will happen after nine.” At 9 p.m. on that day, the ultimatum given by the academics to the Government of Serbia expires, which includes the calling of early parliamentary elections and the cessation of the gathering in Pionirski Park and in front of the National Assembly building. In an open letter sent to the Government, they stated that they expect “citizens to be ready to take all existing measures of civil disobedience.”

What these measures might entail remains to be seen, but the fact that some gatherings, and even a literary evening, are planned for that day in Pionirski Park, where “students who want to learn” have been camping since March, raises concerns that there could be greater friction between the two groups gathered. And the atmosphere in society has been so tense for months that even the smallest spark is enough to trigger an avalanche… This was also seen during the previous gathering on March 15, when there was also a threat of a major incident, but the students then took off their usher vests and ended the gathering.

There is still no official response from the Government of Serbia to the ultimatum set by the students. The academics remind that the deadline for a response is expiring. Zorana Smiljanić, a student of the Belgrade Academy of Business and Art Vocational Studies (BAPUSS) in blockade, tells NIN that the protest on June 28 is not just another in a series, but that it is – a red line.

“We demand the immediate calling of fair and free parliamentary elections and the immediate removal of ‘ćacilend’ from Pionirski Park – that kitschy, offensive monument of arrogance, which offends the memory of the killed and the intelligence of the living. The deadline is June 28 at 9:00 p.m. And we are gathering at 6:00 p.m. at Slavija. Until then, they have time. After that – there is no more patience, no compromise, no silence. We have prepared surprises for them that have not been seen at protests so far. We will no longer be satisfied with walks. We want elections. We want accountability. We want this regime to stand before the citizens. We clearly state: we are not calling for violence. We are calling for justice, fair elections, and dignity. That is the minimum. And we will not give up. This is a call to everyone who knows it’s enough. Who will not be silent, on June 28 – the street is ours,” says Smiljanić.

When it comes to the demand regarding the gathering in Pionirski Park and in front of the assembly, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Ivica Dačić, stated that the police do not break up gatherings and that “gatherings are free and permitted,” adding that no one has a reason to demand that gatherings be banned, while at the same time holding a gathering that has not been reported.

RECTOR’S COLLEGIUM WITH ACADEMICS

The expanded Rector’s Collegium of the University of Belgrade condemned the arrest and detention of students, stating that it stands in their defense. The Collegium notes that this grossly denies academic citizens the right to peaceful protest, especially ahead of another announced student gathering in Belgrade.

“Committed to dialogue, legality, and the preservation of the dignity of the academic community, we express full solidarity with the students who have been persistently fighting for the fulfillment of legitimate student demands for more than seven months,” the statement said. The expanded Rector’s Collegium demands from the authorities and competent bodies to stop the demonstration of force and arbitrariness, to act in accordance with their responsibilities, respecting the autonomy of the university, academic freedoms, and citizens’ right to protest.

AUTHORITIES ON INTERVENTIONS AND INCURSIONS INTO INSTITUTIONS

On the other hand, for days, announcements about possible interventions on Vidovdan have been coming from the authorities. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić reiterated once again that the state will intervene only if forced to and that it will do its best to ensure no one is hurt.

“If we have to, of course, we will intervene, but I hope they won’t force us to,” he said.

Police Director Dragan Vasiljević also stated that the police have information that there may be attempts to disturb public order and peace and attempts to break into some institutions at the student protest announced for Vidovdan.

“The police will be visible, citizens moving around, whether they are participants in the protest or anyone else, will clearly and visibly notice police officers, which further indicates that those who try to disturb public order and peace do so consciously,” Vasiljević told Radio-Television of Serbia and stated that all state institutions, media houses, and private property will be protected in Belgrade.