Statement of Solidarity for Student Movement in Serbia
The tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy in November 2024, which killed 16 people, was linked to corruption and negligence.
Serbian students have led mass protests demanding accountability, democracy, and transparency for over four months.
The protests have gained support from workers, including educators, highlighting shared struggles against corruption and austerity. Over 325, 000 attended a peaceful demonstration in Belgrade on March 15th.
UCL UCU condemns the violent incidents and intimidation against students, supporters and journalists that have taken place during the student-led protests. Students have been beaten by baseball bats and rammed by vehicles on a number of occasions by government supporters. Furthermore reports of an unexplained, powerful sonic disturbance causing mass panic and stampede-like movements among the crowd on March 15th raise alarming questions about the tactics employed against peaceful citizens exercising their fundamental rights.
We urge members to sign this petition, an appeal for global Academic Support for Serbian Students and donate to the strike fund for lecturers and teachers, if they are able to.
