Students in Serbia have demonstrated against a news outlet they accuse of launching a propaganda campaign against university students who have been calling for five months for accountability and political reform in response to government corruption.
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Thousands of protesters have gathered outside a pro-government TV station in Serbia, alleging it of spreading propaganda against university students who have led months of large-scale anti-corruption protests against the government of President Aleksandar Vučić.
Informer TV, a private station loyal to Vučić and his right-wing government, has repeatedly branded the student protesters as extremists and mercenaries during the demonstrations that are now nearly five months old.
Although the protests have remained peaceful, pro-government media have accused the organizers of inciting violence and attempting to overthrow the government, without providing any evidence.
Student Ivona Markovic stated, “For months, ever since the blockades began, we have been their target, constantly smeared in the media.”
The protests commenced after a concrete canopy collapsed at Novi Sad train station in northern Serbia in November, resulting in the deaths of 16 people and revealing widespread government corruption, leading to demands for accountability and political change.
The demonstrations have pressured Vučić, who seeks EU membership for Serbia but maintains close relationships with Russia and China.
Vučić has vowed a “counter-revolution” against the protests and authorities have threatened legal action against university professors, including calling for the arrest of Vladan Djokic, the head dean at Belgrade University.
On Saturday, Vučić met with a group of supporters, including pro-government university students, outside the presidency building and affirmed that those responsible for “anarchy” at the universities would be held accountable.
The student protests have drawn hundreds of thousands of participants, resonating with citizens disillusioned with politicians.
Students staged a symbolic “decontamination” performance outside the Informer TV building, donning protective white suits and initiating a petition to limit the station’s access to broadcasting frequencies.
The students added, “This is a media war between Informer and students, between lies and truth, abuse of power and resistance. They don’t inform, they persecute.”
Informer TV, which is widely watched in Serbia, has received support from top government officials.
Independent media outlets in the country have struggled to gain visibility, and critical journalists have faced pressure, hate campaigns, and lawsuits.
