BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — On Saturday, thousands rallied outside the Informer television station in Serbia, which is known for its pro-government stance and has been accused of waging a propaganda campaign against university students. These students have been a driving force behind extensive anti-corruption protests that have taken place over the last few months, shaking the foundation of populist President Aleksandar Vucic's government.
Informer TV, along with its affiliated tabloid newspaper, has repeatedly labeled student protesters as extremists and mercenaries amidst nearly five months of frequent street demonstrations. Despite the peaceful nature of these protests, pro-government media outlets have claimed that the organizers are inciting violence and attempting to overthrow the government with foreign support, although they have provided no evidence to substantiate these allegations.
Ivona Markovic, a student involved in the protests, expressed the frustration of her peers, stating, "For months now, ever since the blockades started, we have been their target; we have been constantly smeared in the media." The unrest was initially sparked by a tragic incident in November when a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in northern Serbia, resulting in 16 fatalities. This event intensified public scrutiny of widespread government corruption and fueled demands for accountability and political reform.
The protests have increasingly targeted Vucic's government, which is perceived as becoming more authoritarian. Despite Vucic's formal ambitions for Serbia's entry into the European Union, his administration maintains close ties with Russia and China. In a defiant response to the protests, Vucic has vowed to launch a "counter-revolution" to combat the dissent, suggesting that professors at universities may face legal repercussions for their affiliations with the protests. Notably, Vladan Djokic, the dean at Belgrade University, has been threatened with arrest due to his involvement.
Over the weekend, Vucic visited a camp of his supporters gathered outside the presidency, including pro-government university students. He asserted that those responsible for what he described as "anarchy" within the universities would be held accountable. The sustained student protests have drawn participation from hundreds of thousands of citizens who feel disillusioned with the political landscape.
During the Saturday demonstration, students performed a symbolic "decontamination" outside the Informer TV building while donning protective white suits. They also initiated a petition aimed at restricting the television station's access to broadcasting frequencies, framing their actions as a struggle for truth against misinformation. "This is a media war between Informer and students, between lies and truth, abuse of power and resistance," the students declared. "They (Informer) do not inform, they persecute."
The Informer TV network received vocal support from high-ranking government officials during the protests. It remains one of the most widely followed media outlets in Serbia, where independent journalism struggles for visibility, and critical reporters frequently report facing harassment, hate campaigns, and lawsuits. The challenging media landscape highlights the ongoing battle for freedom of expression in the country amid an atmosphere of governmental pressure.
