Protest Erupts in Serbia as Grieving Mother Demands Justice

Tensions escalated in Belgrade as protests erupted outside the Serbian Parliament, where Dijana Hrka, a grieving mother, demanded justice for her son, one of the victims in a recent tragic incident. Hrka has been on a hunger strike since November 1, 2025, calling for accountability from those responsible for the collapse of a temporary structure that claimed the lives of 16 individuals in Novi Sad.

As supporters gathered in a makeshift camp known as Čacilend, Hrka expressed her determination, stating, “I will tell Vucic and Dačić – you will not break me.” The camp has become a focal point for dissent against the current regime, where Hrka is joined by students from Novi Pazar and high schoolers from Belgrade’s XIV Gymnasium.

The atmosphere turned volatile as the music played by President Aleksandar Vucic’s supporters at the camp was described by opposition politician Aleksandar Jovanović Ćuta as “psychological torture.” He articulated the pain caused by the lyrics, which referenced mothers and sons, further intensifying Hrka’s grief. Despite her anguish, Hrka attempted to dismantle the sound equipment but was restrained by her supporters to prevent escalation.

The protests in Belgrade coincide with rising dissatisfaction among citizens regarding police brutality and the treatment of dissenters. Reports indicate that individuals opposing the regime are often met with excessive force, as seen in the recent arrest of former basketball player Vladimir Štimac. He was detained for less than 24 hours before being arrested again, accused of inciting violence at an unregistered protest.

Štimac, who has previously represented Serbia in international competitions, was apprehended while supporting student protests on November 1. The prosecutor’s office alleges he encouraged participants to attack individuals at a separate, registered gathering in Pionirski Park, leading to violent confrontations that left at least one police officer injured.

His lawyer, Nikola Lakić, refuted the charges, claiming they are politically motivated and reflect a crackdown on dissent by the Vucic administration. Following his initial release from custody, Štimac was quickly re-arrested under similar accusations, highlighting the precarious situation for those opposing the current government.

As protests spread across cities such as Novi Sad, Zrenjanin, and Kragujevac, citizens have announced their intention to rally in support of Hrka and her demands for justice. She has outlined three key objectives: holding those accountable for the deadly incident, halting illegal actions against students, and calling for new elections.

The situation remains tense, with police presence heightened around the protests. Activists fear that the government’s response may lead to further clashes, as citizens continue to voice their demands for change and justice in the face of adversity.