Inside the Largest Student-led Protest of Our Time: Exclusive interview with Serbian voices

Ana: How long have the protests been happening?

Jovan: The Faculty of Dramatic Arts went into blockade on November 26, 2024, and student protests have continued ever since. If you ask me, there is no end in sight.

Ana: To grasp the scale of these protests, has there ever been a student protest of this magnitude in Serbia before?

Jovan: These are definitely among the largest protests. In terms of scale, they are comparable only to the student protests of 1968. So, in the last 50 years, there hasn’t been a student protest of this magnitude.

Ana: Take us back to the early days of the protests. What were those initial days during the blockades like?

Jovan: I will never forget the moment when my faculty’s plenary session voted for the blockade. For most of us, that was probably the first time we truly felt that our voices mattered. However, I don’t think we were aware at that moment of how much the protests would escalate. Of course, at the beginning, there was a bit of unavoidable chaos - nothing like this had ever happened before, so we had no precedent to follow. We built everything from the ground up.

That period was characterized by feelings of anger, fear, and uncertainty on one hand, but also euphoria, solidarity, and even a bit of curiosity on the other. It was a cocktail of emotions that I had never experienced before, and I don’t think I ever will again. On one hand, you don’t know what the consequences of this kind of activism will be - both for our academic careers and for society as a whole - but on the other hand, you feel a force pushing you forward, telling you that this is the only chance to redefine the society you will spend the rest of your life in.

Ana: How have the blockades evolved over the past few months, now that they have become a part of your daily life?

Jovan: Simply put, the blockades have become a normal part of everyday life. In the beginning, it took us days to plan blockades of certain roads, but now it has become a routine that requires no more than 15 minutes of organization. 

Everyone has found their role, and there is mutual trust that each person will do their part properly. So, in essence, everyone focuses on the responsibilities they’ve taken on, and then reports on what has happened in the past few days are read at the plenary sessions to ensure that everyone is informed about the overall situation.

Ana: The government has responded to the protests with violence, oppression, and misinformation, leading to severe injuries for some students. Yet, each incident seems to strengthen the will to continue. How would you describe that feeling of resilience overcoming fear?

Jovan: First of all, thank God, all injured students are now okay. I personally was not injured, but unfortunately, my friend from university was hit by a car while paying tribute to the victims of the collapsed canopy.

It’s very difficult to describe the overall feeling in such situations, but if I had to choose one word, it would definitely be rage. After every such incident - and unfortunately, there have been several - the protests explode, simply because these circumstances remind people that this fight has become the duty of every citizen, so that we may one day live in a society where such events are unimaginable.

Ana: The Slavija protest, with 100,000 people standing in silence, became the first iconic moment of these protests that set the tone of unity and strength. Can you share how that protest came to be and what it meant to you?

Jovan: Honestly, sitting here and reflecting on it, I can’t even remember the details of how that protest was organized. However, the protest itself was unforgettable it was the moment when we first demonstrated the power of the change that was coming.

 That day, the citizens showed us that we were not alone in this fight for justice, that we had their full support. I believe that was one of the most significant dates in the recent history of our country and that it will be talked about for years to come.

 All in all, it was one of the first surreal moments of these protests, demonstrating an unprecedented level of solidarity, unity, hope, and faith in a better future.

Ana: The protests have also created a divide in society. Have you been disappointed by anyone choosing to remain silent or not supporting the movement?

Jovan: I wouldn’t go too deep into this topic, as it is much more complex than it seems at first glance. I will simply refer to a quote:

"The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis." —Dante Alighieri

Ana: The 24-hour blockade of the Autokomanda junction was another significant moment. What was that experience like, and do you have any memorable stories from it?

Jovan: It was the first prolonged blockade of many that followed, marking a certain level of radicalization of the protests due to the authorities' refusal to meet our demands. In terms of the number of participants, it was likely comparable to the protest at Slavija, but due to the nature of the protest, the Public Assembly Archive was unable to estimate attendance.

I would say that this was another turning point in the protest - not so much for the general public, but for us students, because it showed us that if we could pull off something like that, without a single incident, then we could do anything. It was also the first major protest where, alongside student stewards, the police protected us as well, which was, of course, a huge victory for us.

Ana: The 48-hour march from Belgrade to Novi Sad is something future generations will talk about. Can you take us through that journey – from the challenges like not having a place to sleep to finally reaching Novi Sad?

Jovan: I still get chills when I think about it. Definitely one of the hardest but also one of the most beautiful things I have ever done in my life. From the moment we set off from Belgrade to our arrival in Novi Sad, every step of the way we were greeted by locals - overcome with joy, offering us water, food, and anything else we might need. At times like that, it’s impossible not to be emotional. It’s a feeling that simply cannot be described to someone who hasn’t experienced it firsthand.

There were, of course, challenges - both physical and psychological - but when you see all the people supporting you, welcoming you as if you were their own children, as well as the colleagues walking alongside you, giving up was simply not an option.

For me, arriving in Novi Sad carried special significance because it is my hometown. I wasn’t just heading to the upcoming protest there - I was returning to my family, my childhood friends, who were fighting the same battle as we were, just in a different place. Even now, just thinking about that moment brings tears to my eyes.

Ana:  How did it feel to be greeted in Novi Sad for the 24-hour blockade of the three bridges? What was it like crossing that finish line?

Jovan: Surreal. Simply surreal. When I climbed onto the bridge where the people of Novi Sad were waiting for us, I couldn’t believe my own eyes. I remember just seeing my best friend, and behind him, an endless column of my fellow citizens who had stopped everything they were doing just to welcome us. I believe that image will remain etched in my memory as one of the most beautiful moments of my life, for as long as I live.

People placed their own marathon medals around our necks, showered us with flowers... I simply can’t find enough words to describe that moment. I felt love, hope, and joy like never before, which reminded me once again of the importance and weight of everything we are fighting for.

Ana: The exchange of flags during the arrival of Belgrade students to Novi Sad was extremely symbolic. What many might not know is that you two are also best friends. I can only imagine that exchanging those flags was a bucket list moment. Tell us how that idea came about, and what did the flags represent?

Jovan: At that moment, all the pain in our legs from walking disappeared, overpowered by overwhelming emotions. Yes, we are best friends, but I believe I speak for both of us when I say that we could never have imagined experiencing something like this.

The flags represented many things, but I would highlight unity. A sign that this fight transcends city boundaries—that all students across Serbia stand together in this, but also that all citizens are united with us.

Ana: It’s remarkable to see young people so organized, passionate, and persistent in fighting for a better society with free media and against corruption. Did you ever imagine achieving what you have so far?

Jovan: Honestly, no.
I believe that in the end, we will succeed, because now that we have felt even a glimpse of freedom, giving up is not an option. I never imagined the protests would reach this scale, but now that I have seen what we are capable of, I believe that even the sky is not the limit for us.

Ana: Seeing the Serbian diaspora worldwide hold protests in support of you is deeply emotional. What does that support mean to you, and do you have a message for them?

Jovan: Of course, it means a lot. These people are far less affected by the situation than we are here, yet they still felt it necessary to pause their lives to show that they stand with us, even if they cannot be here physically.

As for a message, I would simply say: Thank you for your support, and I hope we are making you proud. I also hope that, after all of this, you will be eager to return to Serbia.

Ana: Protests come with dark times. Can you share some of the biggest challenges you faced and moments when you felt helpless? Was giving up ever an option?

Jovan:Giving up was never an option, nor will it ever be.
There were certainly challenges, especially during the organization of each major protest. You always ask yourself: Will everything go smoothly? Will enough people show up? Will someone get hurt?

However, the moment the action was realized, all those doubts and fears quickly disappeared, because the people around you remind you that we are all in this together, and that this fight means the world to all of us.

Ana: The support from people across Serbia – elderly, parents, farmers bringing food, donations, and heaters – has been heartwarming. Do you have an emotional story interacting with a stranger from these protests that stands out to you?

Jovan: I don’t personally, but I would share one that happened to my friend at the very beginning of the blockades.

She was standing in front of the faculty when a little girl approached her with her mother and gave her a box full of cookies that the girl had made for us students. On the box was a note that made my friend cry - from happiness, of course. It read: "When I grow up, I will be a student."
Even though I wasn’t there when the girl arrived, I did try the cookies, and I can say - they were delicious!
Of course, this is just one of many stories like it, and we are all infinitely grateful to the people supporting us in this way.

Ana: The resignation of the Serbian Prime Minister was seen as a response to the protests, yet it led to even larger demonstrations. How would you explain this reaction to people unfamiliar with the regime?

Jovan: While the Prime Minister's resignation may have been a response to student protests, it was not the students' main goal. We students have very specific demands, and the authorities are well aware of them. I would characterize this resignation as just another attempt by the ruling party to calm the situation, but it has little to do with the students' actual demands. Our demands are focused on the functioning of state institutions, not on the individuals in power.

Ana: The creativity from young protesters has been unforgettable – from signs and slogans to art and letters. What has been your favorite, and can you explain the backstory of the “sandwich” creation (my personal favorite) to those unfamiliar with Serbian politics?

Jovan: I'm a lawyer, so I'm not particularly creative, but I do agree that the creativity with banners and slogans is impressive. If I had to pick the one that means the most to me, even though it’s not the most creative, it would definitely be “Lawyers want justice.” This slogan united not only my fellow law students but also lawyers who went on strike to show support for the students.

As for the sandwich, it’s a symbol connected to the ruling party. When they came to power, they began paying or blackmailing people to attend their rallies, where they would receive money and sandwiches. Over time, the sandwich became a symbol of someone who would sell their dignity for a few dozen euros and, of course, a sandwich.

Ana: The Kragujevac protest saw people walking and biking for four days. What has positively surprised you about the Serbian people during these protests?

Jovan: Personally, I went to Kragujevac by car, so I can't speak in detail about walking or biking. However, what stands out is that the Serbian people have united in a way that hasn’t been seen in a long time. It’s truly beautiful to see this solidarity and unity.

Ana: Serbians have a unique word/feeling called ‘inat’ – a deep-seated will to persevere despite challenges. What has been the ‘inat’ driving these protests?

Jovan: We certainly like to refer to 'inat', but I would say that it hasn’t been the deciding factor in this case. I think the protests started out of desperation, but now what drives them is unity, solidarity, and hope. Now that the momentum for positive change has started, I don’t see how it could stop until the demands are met.

Ana: Serbian students have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for their courage and fight for freedom. Congratulations! What does this recognition mean to you, especially as you’re preparing for the next 4-day march? Is it motivating and reassuring?

Jovan: We found out about the nomination during the march to Novi Sad, and it was definitely a boost of motivation at that time. It means a lot to us - it shows that what we’re doing is the right thing, something we must continue to pursue. It also shows that even people who might not be closely connected to Serbia understand the significance of our struggle.

Ana: Lastly, if you had to summarize these protests in one sentence, what would your message to the world be?

Jovan: We will not stop until our demands are met.

Images were given to N/A Magazine by Serbian students. Some of these images were taken by photographer Gavrilo Andric.

All views expressed in this article are the author’s own and may not reflect the opinions of N/A Magazine.

Posted Friday 28th February 2025.

Edited by Ana Sunjka.