On March 15, 2025, Serbia witnessed the largest protest in its history as hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Belgrade to voice their opposition to government corruption under President Aleksandar Vučić. The protest, named c15 for 15d, commemorated the tragic collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, where 15 people lost their lives. This incident sparked widespread outrage and has fueled sustained protests aimed at demanding accountability for corruption within the ruling administration.
Despite the peaceful nature of the rally, chaos ensued near Nikola-Pašić Square when attendees reported the deployment of sound cannons by police, resulting in panic among the crowd. Witnesses described the loud and alarming noise as both painful and anxiety-inducing, prompting many to flee the area. MP Zdravko Ponoš claimed, cYou have used a sound cannon. You fired upon citizens paying tribute to your regime's victims,d highlighting the severity of the allegations against law enforcement.
Eyewitness accounts corroborate the occurrence of these disturbing events, asserting the sound weapon used is notorious for causing intense physical discomfort, including headaches and disorientation. Military analyst Aleksandar Radic noted, cThe only purpose of this act is brutal demonstration of force,d underscoring concerns about the potential escalation of violence against demonstrators.
While the police have officially denied using such devices, stating their actions were fully compliant with the law, the Interior Ministry faced scrutiny as reports of injuries emerged. Scenes from the protest revealed 56 attendees required hospitalization due to varying injuries, and 22 were arrested as tensions mounted throughout the day. On this day of national discontent, the state estimated the number of participants at 107,000, but independent observers placed the turnout closer to 325,000, framing it as the largest anti-government demonstration to date.
During the protest, demonstrators observed 15 minutes of silence at 11:52 AM, marking the exact time of the Novi Sad tragedy, drawing attention to the lives lost and the urgency of their demands for systemic change. cSee where we are. See how many we are. Your voice counts... Together, let's awaken Serbia,d proclaimed one of the student leaders, rallying the crowd and invoking the power of collective civil action.
Vučić, for his part, emphasized the regime's resolve against what he termed as attempts at ccolor revolutionsd, echoing sentiments of defiance against external influences. He asserted police and military efforts were focused on maintaining order and preventing violence, categorizing the protests as illegal gatherings. cSerbia won today; citizens want no color revolutions, they seek no violence,d Vučić affirmed, attempting to restore faith among his supporters.
On this day of civil dissent, social media became rife with assertions of brutality, with many locals sharing visuals allegedly depicting police overreach. footage posted online showed the chaotic aftermath of the noise purportedly from the sound cannon, as many fled, demonstrating the palpable fear among the protestors.
Global reactions have intensified as the EU and UN called for restraint and respect for the right to peaceful assembly, urging the Serbian authorities to prioritize safeguarding citizens, especially when tensions are at such high levels. Following the unrest, internal discussions pointed to potential fears of governmental structuring around catastrophic tensions, with experts noting, cWhat everyone is asking is whether the government will provoke violent situations to justify declaring a state of emergency.d
The fallout from this tense climate, brewing since the tragic disaster at Novi Sad, continues to spotlight the urgent need for reform and rebuilding of trust between government and citizens. Many see the sustained protests as not just opposition to corruption, but as calls for accountability and the establishment of rule of law to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring.
With citizens arriving on tractors and by foot, the peaceful assemblies reflected the populace's growing impatience for necessary changes. Protesters decried the administration's failure to govern responsibly, criticizing both the political and societal climates under President Vučić, which have strived to silence dissent amid rising unrest.
Looking forward, many anticipate the resurgence of organized protests aimed at universal rights and legal enforcement necessary for justice. The question remains whether the government can engage constructively with the citizens or risk losing their legitimacy as these calls for reforms intensify.
March 15 is set to remain a significant date within Serbia's historical narrative, marking both tragedy and resilience against corruption. The rallying cry for relentless clerkship underpinned by unity has now become synonymous with the c15 for 15d movement, representing spirited demands for accountability and governance integrity.
Serbia's political moment remains uncertain, marked by the dynamics between the people’s push for democratic reforms and the government's current posture, balancing authority and public sentiment.