“A holiday for the soul” – that’s how one attendee characterizes the blockade at Autokomanda, a key intersection in Belgrade, while fervently blowing a whistle.

Since early morning yesterday, students have successfully gathered tens of thousands people onto the streets. They have resolved to block this critical route for a full 24 hours, emphasizing their commitment to escalating the protest to convey the message that they will not relinquish their demands.

The weather was bright and almost spring-like, with temperatures rising above ten degrees. The crowd swelled continuously, with a large number of participants constantly moving and joining in.

By around 11 am, an energetic group of students arrived from New Belgrade, accompanied by farmers on tractors. They brought Serbian flags and colorful banners along. Almost immediately, bikers positioned around the intersection started revving their engines, creating a cacophony of sound.

The protest commenced, continuing the tradition of the past two months, with a quiet fifteen-minute period of silence. This tranquility was occasionally disrupted by the barking of dogs and the distant sound of car sirens as supportive drivers on the highway honked for solidarity.

Traffic was completely halted for all vehicles from the roundabout on Bulevar Oslobodjenja toward the Temple of Saint Sava. Meanwhile, smaller streets towards Slavija remained accessible as citizens arrived in a steady stream.

Unity and Hope in the Youth

Under several white tents, dedicated volunteers are tirelessly distributing prepared meals, bottles of water, chocolate bars, and snacks to the protestors. A number of tents have been erected where community members can rotate in shifts during the continuous blockade.

Students, parents with children, and pet owners joyfully paraded through the streets. “I wouldn’t want to miss this for anything,” remarked one father, cradling his young son.

Kristina (30) attended the blockade with her one-and-a-half-year-old twins and expressed her complete support for the students, stating she’s on the streets “for the future of her three children.”

“I want this government replaced. I believe in the youth. I’m young and want my children to thrive in the best possible environment,” she shared with DW.

A pup with red paws slinks through the throng of people.

Student volunteers from Belgrade’s faculties are actively managing the situation. They are overseeing crowd control and ensuring the flow of donations of food and drink arrives smoothly.

Anja Zdejković (21), a molecular biology student, believes that everyone present during this blockade will be “energized by the amazing spirit in the streets” and that it will convey the message that the participants are “motivated, persistent, and prepared to advocate for change.”

“This gathering marks a turning point”

Participants are spending their time playing board games, volleyball, and tossing Frisbees. At around 1 p.m., a procession of high school students joined the gathering, to enthusiastic cheers.

Dimitrije Krstajić, a law master’s student, pointed out that the ongoing events in the country are crucial for all citizens and voiced the importance of widespread participation in the blockades.

“Anyone who views themselves as a patriot and genuinely cares for this country ought to support the students’ requests. This transcends politics; it’s a matter that affects us all. So I can’t comprehend those who consider themselves apolitical during such a crisis,” he expressed to DW.

Ognjen Uzelac, a student at the Academy of Music, echoed these sentiments, describing the gathering as a potential “turning point” that will reveal how “the authorities respond to this blockade.”

“I have a good feeling that it will be peaceful, avoiding organized stomping and violence. Nonetheless, isolated incidents can always occur, as has been the case so far,” he commented.

Farmers Stand with Students

Farmers have continuously allied with the students since the early days of the blockades. They have prepared meals for the students on multiple occasions at the Novi Sad campus, and now they have brought their tractors to Autokomanda in Belgrade.

Zoran Milićević (65) from Vinča has been patiently waiting for his sons to join him at the blockade, stating that they inspired him to participate today.

“I am struggling, just like fellow farmers. The government has drained us dry; survival is a challenge. I show up for the youth, for my children, and for the future. It’s my duty to them,” said the farmer.

When asked what he anticipates from this blockade, he responded, expressing hope that “it’s time for the government to wake up and initiate change.”

“I won’t comment on the populace; if we were better, things would have changed long ago. Nevertheless, these kids deserve a brighter future. I have a country and two sons—why should they seek work abroad? They are educated, university graduates who speak fluent English, but they shouldn’t have to leave,” expressed Milićević.

“This charade must conclude”

A significant number of theatrical artists have also shown their support for the students. Actor Ivan Jevtović told DW, “Every decent individual must be here.” He also emphasized the urgency of addressing the students’ demands.

“Their requests are precise and grounded in legal rights. This charade must conclude, and those responsible should provide immediate answers regarding when the demands will be fulfilled,” he asserted, warning that otherwise “life as we know it may grind to a halt.”

“We had a preview of that on Friday with the general strike; today, we’re seeing this. Soon, it could escalate to blockades lasting a week or more. We must reveal the truth and inform the world about the precariousness of our lives. I’ll remain here as long as I can. We have a performance tonight, but I’ll return following it,” Jevtović concluded.

The students have announced that Autokomanda will remain blocked until Tuesday morning.

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