Sat Mar 29 20:28:10 UTC 2025: ## Serbian Students Protest Pro-Government Media’s Hate Speech
BELGRADE, SERBIA (March 30, 2025) – Thousands of Serbian university students rallied outside the pro-government television station, Informer TV, on Saturday, accusing it of waging a smear campaign against their months-long anti-corruption protests. The demonstration, dubbed “DisInformer,” lasted six hours and featured symbolic actions such as a “decontamination” performance and the creation of a “wall of shame” showcasing Informer TV’s allegedly inflammatory headlines.
The protests, which began in November following a deadly train station collapse that highlighted widespread corruption, have persisted for nearly five months. While largely peaceful, Informer TV and other pro-government media outlets have repeatedly labelled the student protesters as extremists, alleging they are seeking to overthrow the government. These claims have been made without evidence.
Student leader Ivona Markovic stated that the students have been consistently targeted by the media since the start of the protests. The protests have put significant pressure on President Aleksandar Vucic, who has responded by promising a “counterrevolution” and threatening legal action against university professors, including the arrest of Belgrade University’s head dean.
Informer TV, a prominent media outlet loyal to Vucic’s government, received support from high-ranking officials, including the defense minister, following the protest. The station described the demonstration as a “hostage crisis.” The protest highlights concerns about the limited visibility of independent media in Serbia and the pressure faced by critical journalists. Students are demanding limitations on the television station’s broadcasting access via a launched petition. The protests reflect broader public disillusionment with Serbian politicians.
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