Teachers hold protest rally in Belgrade, students continue journey to Nis

The central city street in front of the ministry building was blocked for four hours. A large number of educators from Belgrade, as well as from Zrenjanin, Novi Sad, Backa Palanka, Bujanovac, Vranje and Surdulica and other Serbian town, attended alongside students, parents, university professors, and members of the general public.

After representatives read the demands of elementary and high school employees, the crowd erupted with noise from drums, trumpets, and vuvuzelas. They voiced solidarity with high school and university students supporting their demands, and calling for accountability and educational reforms in Serbia.

Participants displayed banners supporting educators and students.

During the event, a 15-minute moment of silence was observed for the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy. On November 1, 2024, a concrete canopy at the recently renovated Novi Sad main train station collapsed, killing 15 people and severely injuring two. This incident, along with subsequent assaults on student protesters, sparked the ongoing protests in Serbia.

University professors from Novi Sad joined the teachers after completing a relay run from their city. They were welcomed with thunderous applause and chants of “Novi Sad” from the protesters. High school students presented the professors with certificates of appreciation.

A professor from Novi Sad read a declaration signed by over 800 employees of the University of Novi Sad, pledging support for students until their demands are met. The declaration was formally presented to student representatives.

Students from various parts of Serbia continued their journey to Nis, where the “Student Edict” protest rally organized by University of Nis students will take place on March 1.

The students are traveling both on foot and by bicycle. Groups are walking from Bor, Cacak, Kragujevac, and Bujanovac, while others from Novi Sad and Belgrade began a days-long bicycle ride to Nis.

Throughout their journey, locals have welcomed the students in large numbers, greeting them with fireworks, torches, songs, and generous offerings of food.