Helena Strugar’s ban from Serbia triggers protests in Belgrade

The protest was organised after Strugar revealed she has been unable to return to Serbia since April 16, when border police informed her she was barred from entering for “security reasons” under Article 82 of the Law on Foreigners. No official explanation has been given, despite repeated requests from her and her legal team.

“I still have no idea what offence or crime I allegedly committed. This is a completely arbitrary decision,” Strugar told reporters. “If this continues, I won’t be able to take my exams or complete my studies, as many require physical attendance.”

Strugar believes the ban is linked to an incident in January, when masked attackers stormed the Faculty of Law. She filmed the assailants, footage which was later shared widely on social media.

Her appeal to the Ministry of Internal Affairs was rejected without further reasoning, and the case has now been forwarded to the Administrative Court. She said the most alarming aspect is that the ban is open-ended.

“The scariest thing is that there’s no time limit on the measure; it could be for months, years, or a lifetime,” she said.

Supporters at the protest held banners reading “Helena belongs here” and “Students are not a threat,” calling the decision a violation of academic freedom and freedom of movement. Human rights groups, including the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights, have urged authorities to provide a clear justification or lift the measure immediately.

“This type of restriction, without transparency and due process, is incompatible with democratic principles,” said a spokesperson for the centre.

Strugar, who attended the protest virtually, vowed to continue the legal fight. “Justice is slow, but it is attainable. We will go to the end,” she said.

The BIA and Ministry of Internal Affairs have not responded to media inquiries.