Late last night, students gathered at the Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) premises in Košutnjak, as reported by the RTS portal. They obstructed access to the RTS building in Belgrade, while their peers at the University of Novi Sad blocked both entries to the Radio Television of Vojvodina (RTV) building, according to Beta’s reports.

A tense situation unfolded outside the RTS building in downtown Belgrade when the Gendarmerie broke through a blockade formed by the students. While some media claimed that the police were using batons against the students, Interior Minister Ivica Dačić refuted these allegations late last night, asserting that it was the students who instigated the conflict, as reported by Beta. One police officer sustained injuries during the clash.

A show of solidarity unfolded last night as dozens of students and citizens convened in front of Radio Television Kragujevac (RTK), supporting those protesting against the public institutions in Belgrade and Novi Sad.

A substantial police presence was noted in the courtyard of the RTS building in Košutnjak, according to reports.

Normal traffic on Takovska Street, where the RTS main building is situated, resumed around 4:00 a.m., as media sources indicated.

Riot police were stationed at the RTS facility last night.

During the night and early morning hours, RTS Channel One aired reruns and documentaries produced by the organization, per its schedule, before launching the RTS Morning Program at six o’clock with its news segment, followed by the customary updates including medical reports and weather forecasts.

The RTS newsroom revisited coverage of the gatherings outside the public media service in response to the students’ call for a blockade, emphasizing that this issue reached international media attention.

RTS aired a message appealing to the students to “refrain from violent blockades,” citing that such actions contradict the previous statements from the students advocating for the free operation of institutions.

At seven this morning, as the blockade entered its eighth hour amidst relentless rain from the previous night, several dozen gathered repeatedly shouting “Whoever doesn’t jump is a sissy” and “Pumpaj.”

Students began blocking access to RTS around 11:00 PM, signaling on social media that the peaceful blockade would continue for hours. They indicated that exits would be available for all employees, but no entries would be permitted until “RTS is liberated.”

This protest action was likely incited by derogatory remarks made by a host during a live program involving President Vučić, who referred to the students as “rabble.”

A significant number of citizens rallied late last night in front of the RTS building. Police in riot gear pushed through the crowd, entering the building through Aberdarova Street, leading to minor skirmishes between demonstrators and law enforcement. One officer was injured in these confrontations.

Students blocking the University of Novi Sad also obstructed both entrances to the Radio Television of Vojvodina (RTV) building, demonstrating solidarity with the RTS protesters. A police line stood firm in front of the students until they peacefully withdrew, waving national flags and raising their hands.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić alleged that police officer Lazar Bačić was assaulted by “Bolshevik plenum members” outside the RTS building.

The report indicates that police officer Bačić, who suffered an eye injury during the protest, was in civilian clothes at the time, walking through the student crowd when injured. Observations from a video suggest it is unlikely he was harmed by a student or protester, as reported by Beta.

A student from the Faculty of Political Sciences (FPN) remarked on the situation, noting instances of pushing between police and students at the RTS building’s entrance on Aberdareva.

Reflecting on the blockade, he described their arrival as unexpected and “kept secret.”

“We are all aware of RTS’s biased reporting, which has been evident not just since the protests began, but for years,” he shared with TV N1.

“A public service is essential for citizens to receive accurate information,” he added.

“We are advancing, step by step,” he concluded.

Interior Minister Ivica Dačić stated there was no truth to claims of police violence against students, asserting there was no police intervention, according to Beta.

“Media outlets have prematurely spread lies; I assure you there was no police intervention. As always…,” Dačić attempted to explain but was cut off.

His remarks came in front of TV Pink cameras alongside President Aleksandar Vučić, who interjected, “I can’t listen to this excuse anymore,” before departing. Dačić then claimed, “The students attacked the gendarmerie.”

Contrary to Dačić’s statements, social media footage clearly indicates moments when police charged through the student crowd, using batons against them.

Additionally, videos circulating on social media show plainclothes officer Lazar Bačić being assaulted by a gendarmerie member.

Vučević: Attack on gendarmes is an attack on the state of Serbia

In light of these events, resigning Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević referred to the attack on Bačić as “an attack on the state of Serbia.”

Vučević suggested this incident may foreshadow events planned for March 15th, when another student protest is scheduled in Belgrade.

“I am troubled by the information I possess as Prime Minister and what President Vučić disclosed during the Government session. It is especially alarming that there are intentions to block RTS following a guest appearance on the Public Service. This had been planned prior, with false justifications presented,” Vučević stated in his address from the Government of Serbia.

He cautioned that the state “will, in accordance with the law, counter any attempts at a coup d’état or a violent revolution.”

“All citizens of Serbia will be safeguarded, irrespective of their political affiliations. Once again, a warning to anyone contemplating chaos in Serbia—your consequences will be severe. If you choose to visit as a tourist, you are welcome; if your purpose is to instigate disorder, you will face legal repercussions. It’s best to remain at home if you wish to conduct such activities in your own cities and countries,” Vučević articulated.

He affirmed that any individual who attacked gendarme Lazar Bačić “will face the legal ramifications, whether they are a student, a party member, or otherwise.”

“This cowardly assault under the guise of advocating for a better Serbia, promoting democratic institutions, and demanding truth, represents a stark contradiction. Institutions are failing, and the state of Serbia is deteriorating. No one is entitled to assault anyone, particularly the police, in any nation. Those who attack law enforcement must be held accountable under the law,” Vučević stated.

He anticipated that, regardless of immune status, accountability would be assigned to deputies who resorted to violence during the Serbian Parliament’s recent session.

“Ignoring violence only encourages other hooligans to replicate such behavior. The state will demonstrate that the law applies equally to all. Anything less essentially undermines the state. Any delays or informal absolutions for perpetrators of criminal acts merely exacerbate the problem,” Vučević asserted.

Ana Brnabić urged students in the blockade to refrain from violence and to avoid occupying institutions

Speaker of the Serbian Parliament Ana Brnabić emphasized that violence will never be victorious in Serbia and urged protesting students to avoid utilizing violent methods and to refrain from attempting to seize institutions, as this is precisely what “those wishing ill upon Serbia” desire.

“Justice, solidarity, and robust institutions are what Serbia requires—not hatred, violence, and chaos,” she posted on X.

The Prosecutor’s Office has ordered police to identify those responsible for attacking the Gendarmerie member

The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade has instructed the police to swiftly identify individuals who attacked members of the Gendarmerie outside the Radio Television of Serbia building last night, due to indications of potential criminal offenses related to Violent Behavior at a Sports Event or Public Gathering.

Evidence suggests that several individuals assaulted members of the Gendarmerie as they were securing the RTS building.

Additionally, police were directed to identify those who assaulted a plainclothes officer while he performed his duties, causing him an eye injury, as stated in RTS reports.

Belgrade’s Chief Public Prosecutor Nenad Stefanović has appealed to all citizens to avoid any form of violence, stressing that anyone who attacks participants in peaceful protests, members of law enforcement, or public officials will be prosecuted.

Tadić: Brutal abuse of gendarmerie in front of RTS

Boris Tadić, former President of Serbia and the Democratic Party, along with the current leader of the Social Democratic Party, expressed concern over the harsh treatment of students and citizens by the Gendarmerie outside the RTS building. He labeled the situation as dangerous, urging citizens to protect the students, according to Beta.

Tadić commented, “With the Gendarmerie’s brutal violence against students and other citizens at RTS last night, Vučić’s regime bears full responsibility for the unfolding events, particularly leading up to March 15.”

“The risk is escalating significantly, and we must unite to ensure the safety of students and citizens. When the regime resorts to violence against its people, they have every right to defend themselves,” the former president underscored.

“The opposition must quickly mobilize its members and call upon them to defend students and civic activists. Citizens should organize in their municipalities, following the example set by the students’ civic assemblies. We cannot remain passive while our youth and citizens are subjected to violence; we must stand up for them in every conceivable way,” Tadić urged on Twitter.

Ministry of Interior: Police will refrain from intervening in front of RTS unless provoked by violence

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) announced its stance that it will abstain from acting against those obstructing the Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) building, barring any violent breaches of the facilities or attacks on its officers, as reported by Beta.

The Ministry’s statement clarified that its personnel securing the RTS location “have not intervened and will not intervene against those performing blockades unless a violent breach of state institutions and the RTS building occurs, alongside attacks on police officers.”

“Members of the Gendarmerie were obstructed and assaulted while attempting to enter the RTS facility to fulfill their duties,” the statement affirmed.

It was also noted that one Gendarmerie member sustained injuries requiring transport to the Emergency Center due to an eye injury sustained during the process.

Following the Gendarmerie’s entry into the RTS building, the Ministry stated that no further conflicts or police interventions took place.

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