Thousands gather for protest in Belgrade, heavy police presence deployed

(Patria) - The deafening sound of whistles and vuvuzelas echoes through Belgrade ahead of the central gathering at a mass student protest, held today under the slogan "15 for 15". Thousands of people from all parts of the country are gathering in the center of Serbia's capital, following months of protests against the current government.

"Wherever I go, that city follows me, my Belgrade, return me to yourself" ♥️🇷🇸 pic.twitter.com/KFIdXCwfpN

— Igor Vujanović (@Infoverzum) March 15, 2025

Heavy police forces have been deployed, and fears of possible clashes have been further fueled by supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who are camping in front of the Presidency building, AP reports.

Although students in blockade announced this morning on social media that the central gathering point for today's protest would be Slavija Square instead of the plateau in front of the Serbian Parliament, they ultimately stuck with the original plan. The protest is scheduled for 4:00 PM in front of the Parliament.

Students from all over Serbia gathered by 1:00 PM at four locations in Belgrade - Autokomanda, Republic Square, King Aleksandar Boulevard, and New Belgrade. From these locations, they set off at 1:00 PM towards the National Assembly of Serbia, where the largest protests to date will be held.

Students displayed large banners with slogans including "Demands not met", "The Lord is law to the oppressed, law in time of trouble", "We organize freedom"...

Those gathered are making a loud noise with drums and whistles, chanting "Pump it up, pump it up".

Earlier today, students had planned to change the central gathering point, as they stated, in light of recent developments and faced with an increasingly heated situation in society.

As they noted, certain changes did occur, so there will be a stage both in front of the Parliament and at Slavija.

Several incidents were recorded during the night, and Interior Minister Ivica Dačić stated that 13 people were taken into custody.