Nemanja Vidić, the celebrated Serbian footballer who was born and grew up playing football in Užice, sent a letter that was read during a large protest in his hometown.
Citizens of Užice came out in large numbers to express their dissatisfaction with the treatment of their nine fellow citizens who were arrested during protests against the regime of Aleksandar Vučić and the Serbian Progressive Party.
During the protest, a large number of prominent people spoke, including Rector Vladan Đokić, the famous actor Tihomir Stanić, while the former captain of the Serbian national team and Manchester United spoke out with a letter.
The content of that letter can be read below:
„I would like to address you today on a sports occasion, and not as a citizen seeking justice.
But champions fight – both on and off the field, and tonight each of you is a champion.
I am not able to be with you tonight, but my heart is. Wherever we are, we all seek the same – justice, freedom, and truth.
My views are no secret. You know them. They are not political – they are about life. Of the people. Civic. We want a society where everyone does their job. Honestly, professionally and responsibly.
Your perseverance inspires me, I see Serbia united around the same goal. I appeal to everyone – especially the police, prosecutors, judges:
We all want the same Serbia. Just. Honest. Successful. The law must be the same for everyone. Without exception.
Behind us are generations who will not settle for less – generations who will know how, who deserve better. It is up to us to support them. To leave them the country we dream of.
We are fighting for our children and their future, for our Serbia,“ stated the letter signed by the celebrated footballer.