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Serbian Students’ Anti-Corruption Protest Reaches Strasbourg, Seat of European Parliament
STRASBOURG, France – A group of Serbian university students, advocating for justice and highlighting what they consider to be overlooked pleas for reform within Europe, received a warm welcome upon their arrival in Strasbourg, the heart of the European Union, on Tuesday. These students concluded a demanding 1,300-kilometer bicycle journey from Serbia to raise awareness about their cause.
Students Cycle to EU to Spotlight Protests Against Corruption in Serbia
Approximately 80 students, embarking on their bicycles 13 days prior, undertook the strenuous journey to Strasbourg, France, with the express purpose of drawing the European Union’s attention to their months-long demonstrations protesting corruption in Serbia. The Balkan nation is an official candidate for membership in the 27-member bloc, but has faced criticism for regression in democratic freedoms and the rule of law.
Emotional Reception in Strasbourg
Upon reaching the main square in Strasbourg, where the European Parliament is located, the students were greeted with an enthusiastic reception from hundreds of individuals. The welcoming crowd included members of the Serbian diaspora, as well as French students and supporters who gathered to show solidarity.
“We Have Woken Up Europe”
“I believe this protest action is a complete success,” declared one of the cyclists in a live broadcast with N1 TV from Strasbourg, amidst the assembled supporters. “I think we have awakened Europe to our cause.”
Student-Led Movement Gains International Attention
Serbian university students have been at the forefront of a significant nationwide anti-corruption movement, marked by almost daily street protests that have challenged the authority of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. While these demonstrations have garnered considerable support both domestically and throughout the Balkan region, many students feel that they are not receiving adequate support from the European Union.
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Demanding Journey Across Europe
The students cycled between 100 and 150 kilometers each day, traversing through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany before finally arriving in Strasbourg. There, they were met with a celebratory welcome from Serbians living abroad and fellow students from within the EU.
Challenges Faced During the Cycle Protest
Throughout their European journey, the students endured heavy rainfall and cold temperatures. They also received warm welcomes from supporters in cities such as Budapest, Vienna, and various German towns, demonstrating growing recognition of their cause.
Roots of the Protests: Seeking Justice and Democratic Freedoms
The student-initiated protests in Serbia were sparked by the tragic deaths of 16 individuals in a train station canopy collapse in November. This incident was widely attributed to pervasive corruption and has evolved into a wider expression of discontent concerning the status of democratic freedoms in Serbia.
Key Demands of the Protesting Students
The student protesters are demanding justice for the victims of the November canopy collapse and an end to perceived governmental pressure and violence directed towards demonstrators.
Government Accusations and EU Response
President Vucic and media outlets supportive of his government have accused the students and their professors of acting against the interests of the state, alleging they are attempting to undermine his authority with the assistance of unidentified Western security agencies. No evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims.
The European Union’s reaction to the largely peaceful student-led protests has been reserved. EU officials have generally avoided direct criticism of Vucic, seemingly viewing him as a crucial figure for maintaining stability in a region historically marked by conflict.
Next Steps in Strasbourg
While in Strasbourg, the students have plans to visit both the Council of Europe and the European Parliament to further their advocacy.
Concerns Over Democratic Freedoms in Serbia
Since assuming power over a decade ago, President Vucic has faced accusations of suppressing democratic freedoms. He has also been noted for maintaining close diplomatic and economic ties with Russia and China.
Student Protests in Serbia Target Media Coverage
In Serbia on Tuesday, student-led demonstrators temporarily blocked access to the entrances of RTS, the main state-controlled television broadcaster, in Belgrade and Novi Sad. These actions were taken to protest the broadcaster’s reporting on the ongoing protests and related events.