Thousands gathered Friday evening outside the Serbian state TV (RTS) headquarters in central Belgrade for a protest initiated by students dissatisfied with the public broadcaster’s coverage of nationwide student protests and recent events following the November 1 Novi Sad tragedy.
The demonstration, under the slogan “Our Right to Know Everything,” began with 15 minutes of silence commemorating the 15 people killed in the collapse of a concrete awning at the Novi Sad train station on November 1.
The students, who have been demanding accountability for the Novi Sad tragedy, read their demands. These include the release of all documents related to the Novi Sad train station reconstruction, dismissal of charges against students arrested or detained at recent protests, prosecution of those who assaulted protesting students and professors, and a 20 percent increase in government funding for universities.
In a symbolic gesture, they presented RTS Director Dragan Bujosevic with a birthday gift – a large sandwich adorned with 71 candles. The students also read aloud a letter of support they had received from a section of the RTS union.
“We are here because of the media blackout. We have a clear message – the public has the right to be informed about what is happening in Serbia,” said a student from the Faculty of Philosophy.
N1’s reporter said RTS had three camera crews at the scene. In its evening news broadcast, RTS first reported on the condition of the student injured in a hit-and-run at Thursday’s peaceful protest in downtown Belgrade, then provided a live update from the demonstration, including a short interview with a protester.
A banner reading “RTS Workers Stand with Students” was displayed on the RTS building, and the crowd responded by chanting “Thank you for the support.”
The protest was conducted peacefully, with no incidents reported.
Source: N1
