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BELGRADE, Serbia — March 15, 2025
I first set foot in Serbia before the NATO bombings of the late 1990s, covering the Balkan War as a journalist. I saw a nation on the brink—fractured by ethnic conflict, political repression, and economic collapse. Then, I lived in Serbia after the war, watching as it tried to rebuild itself with hope, resilience, and a commitment to democracy.
To see nearly a million people flood the streets of Belgrade today, demanding an end to corruption and political negligence, feels like watching history repeat itself. This isn’t the first time Serbia’s youth have taken a stand, but the stakes feel higher than ever.
The Largest Protest in Serbia’s Modern History
On March 15, 2025, an estimated one million people marched through Belgrade in what has become Serbia’s largest protest in modern history. The demonstration—dubbed “15 for 15” in honor of the 15 victims of the Novi Sad railway station collapse—was a direct response to government corruption and mismanagement in public infrastructure projects.
The November 2024 tragedy saw a newly renovated train station canopy suddenly collapse, killing 15 people and injuring dozens. Reports soon emerged that the renovation contract had been awarded to a company with political ties and that safety inspections had been rushed or falsified to approve the project ahead of schedule.
“There are too many tragic accidents in this country,” said Marko, a 35-year-old engineer at the protest. “Bridges collapse, roads deteriorate, and now a train station falls apart months after being ‘renovated.’ Where does the money go?”
Public frustration quickly escalated into a nationwide call for accountability. The government’s response—an internal investigation with no outside oversight—only fueled suspicions that officials were protecting their own.
A Legacy of Resistance: Serbia’s Youth Take the Lead
Serbia has a long history of youth-led activism.
During the 1996-1997 electoral fraud protests, students filled the streets for months, forcing the government to recognize opposition victories. A few years later, the Otpor! movement used nonviolent resistance, strategic mobilization, and relentless pressure to help topple Slobodan Milošević’s authoritarian regime.
Now, more than two decades later, a new generation is leading the charge. Many of the protesters weren’t even born during the Milošević era, yet they share the same determination.
“We want a better government,” said Luka, a 22-year-old student from Novi Sad. “Our parents fought for change, and here we are again. Nothing has changed.”
Government Denials and Allegations of Sonic Weapons
Despite the sheer size of the protest, Serbian officials have largely dismissed demonstrators’ demands.
President Aleksandar Vučić called the protests “politically motivated”, while Interior Minister Nebojša Stefanović insisted that the Novi Sad collapse was an accident, not a result of corruption.
“We take infrastructure safety very seriously,” Stefanović said at a press conference. “The government has already launched an internal investigation, and we will hold accountable anyone found to be responsible.”
But on the streets, skepticism remains high. Many protesters see the investigation as a hollow promise, citing past cases where high-ranking officials evaded accountability.
Tensions escalated further when protesters began experiencing symptoms consistent with exposure to sonic crowd-control devices, a controversial technology that has been used in riots worldwide but remains largely unregulated.
“There was this unbearable high-pitched sound,” said Jelena, a 27-year-old activist. “People started feeling sick. Some collapsed.”
Experts believe the symptoms align with the use of Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs)—often called “sound cannons.” These military-grade devices emit powerful directional sound waves, causing dizziness, nausea, and disorientation without leaving visible injuries.
While banned for crowd control in parts of the EU, LRADs have been deployed in protests in Turkey, the U.S., and Greece. Serbian officials deny using such devices, but human rights organizations and EU observers are calling for an independent investigation.
International Pressure and Serbia’s EU Aspirations
The European Union, which has been closely monitoring Serbia’s political climate, has expressed concern over both allegations of excessive force and the country’s worsening corruption crisis.
“The freedom of assembly must be respected, and any claims of excessive force should be independently reviewed,” an EU Commission spokesperson said in a statement.
Serbia is currently seeking EU membership, but its track record on democracy and human rights remains a major roadblock. If the government is seen as suppressing peaceful protests, it could further jeopardize Serbia’s standing in the international community.
“The EU has been clear—Serbia must uphold democratic values,” said a European diplomat. “This protest is a major test for the government. If they crack down on peaceful demonstrators, there will be consequences.”
The Fight for Change: What Comes Next?
As Serbia stands at a crossroads, the government faces a choice: embrace reform and transparency or risk deepening political instability and international isolation.
Opposition leaders have already announced plans for continued demonstrations, vowing to keep pressure on the government until real reforms are enacted.
“We will not stop until justice is served,” said one protest organizer addressing the crowd. “We owe it to the victims, to our children, and to Serbia’s future.”
A Movement Bigger Than a Protest
The March 15 protest was more than just a reaction to a train station collapse—it was a culmination of years of frustration with corruption, mismanagement, and a government that many believe has failed them.
Activists are demanding:
- Full transparency in public infrastructure projects
- Independent investigations into corruption allegations
- Accountability for government officials linked to misconduct
- A commitment to protecting freedom of speech and protest rights
“This isn’t just about the train station,” said Ivana, a protester from Niš. “It’s about everything—our future, our safety, and our right to live in a country that values its people more than its politicians.”
A New Era for Serbia’s Protest Movement?
With youth leading the charge, a growing demand for government accountability, and strong international scrutiny, the momentum for change has never been stronger.
Serbia has faced these crossroads before. In the 1990s, protests helped end a dictatorship. In the 2000s, youth movements reshaped democracy.
Now, in 2025, another generation is standing up. Their message is clear: the people demand change, and they will fight for it.
