Author: Tijana Ilić

November 1, 2024. The fall of the canopy at the Railway Station in Novi Sad. The death of 15 people. Shock, sadness and anger among citizens of Serbia. Protests begin. The whole country pauses every day at 11:52 a.m. to silently pay respect to those who died at that exact time.

November 22nd. Blockade of the boulevard near the Faculty of Dramatic Arts. FDU students were physically attacked.

November 25th. FDU students begin a blockade of their faculty, demanding criminal charges against the attackers. And so, at the beginning of December, a chain reaction begins. One after the other, almost all faculties of all universities in the country woke up. Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, Kragujevac. Student blockades begin.

By mid-December, almost 60 faculties were on lockdown. A large number of high schools also joined, and students and pupils were supported by teachers and professors, as well as numerous public figures. Suspension of classes, organization of plenums and protests continued. And very massive. The students still insist on the fulfillment of their demands, which include, among other things, the publication of complete documentation on the reconstruction of the Railway Station, the filing of criminal charges against their attackers, and the dismissal of charges against those arrested and detained at the protests. The authorities continue to claim that they have fulfilled all the requirements.

During that time, classes do not continue at the faculties, but life continues.

We tried to record what life looks like at the blockaded faculties on the spot – we were visiting students in Belgrade and we bring you the story about it in the new episode of the series “Strength of Struggle”. Journalist Marko Novičić spoke with the students.

Watch the story in the video attachment.

Civic Initiatives, in partnership with the Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN), is proud to present the latest report on Serbia within the Monitoring Matrix series.

This annual report assesses the legal, institutional and practical conditions that affect the possibility of civil society development, with a focus on freedoms, financial sustainability and cooperation between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs).

Findings from the 2023 report point to persistent challenges facing civil society in Serbia, including narrowing of basic freedoms, restrictive legislation and continued targeting of independent voices. Examples of smear campaigns, restrictive SLAPP lawsuits, and the erosion of media independence illustrate the ongoing threats to a democratic and enabling environment. Despite these challenges, the sector remains resilient, and citizens’ associations and informal groups are actively advocating for transparency, environmental protection and human rights.

The report emphasizes the importance of strengthening legal guarantees, promoting accountability and encouraging inclusive cooperation between the state and civil society in order to counter negative trends. It also provides a comprehensive analysis based on more than 150 indicators aligned with international standards, offering key recommendations for reforms that would support the sustainable development of civil society.

We invite you to explore the detailed findings and insights from the 2023 Monitoring Matrix and join us in advocating for an environment where civil society can thrive. Together we can work to build a democratic and inclusive Serbia.

For more information and access to the full report, click the button below.

Due to the ever-increasing pressures citizens are exposed to due to their activism, we are launching the SHIT activist card mechanism.
The SHIELD card gives its holder access to the support of Citizen Initiatives: legal and other types of support in emergency situations, such as arrests, intimidation or any other form of endangerment due to activist activity.

How to apply for SHIELD?

Write to us at stit@gradjanske.org or fill out the online form by clicking the button below:

We will deliver your personalized card within a few days, and in the meantime you can call us on the phone number you will receive.

During registration for the SHIELD activist card, you need to enter certain data. All data collected in this way will be used exclusively for processing your registration and for contacting you in case of organizing emergency support, and will not be misused, shared, or given to third parties.

Civic initiatives stand by you – because we can’t do anything alone.