Dear colleagues,

We invite you to report on the struggle for freedom of Serbian citizens against the autocratic regime of Aleksandar Vučić. We urge you to inform the public in your countries about the events unfolding in Serbia, as well as the actions of certain high-ranking officials from European states who persistently support a small Balkan tyrant who is oppressing his own citizens and has effectively hijacked the state. We do not know why they are doing this, but whatever the reason, they should be ashamed.

On November 1, a tragedy occurred in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, when 15 people lost their lives and two were seriously injured after a reinforced concrete canopy weighing several dozen tons collapsed on them at the recently renovated main railway station.

This was a state project executed in cooperation with companies from China. Like all similar projects, it was declared a state secret and was concealed from the public. Given that it was a state project, the citizens of Novi Sad, followed by people across Serbia, took to the streets of every city, demanding accountability for what they called a state crime and the murder of 15 people. The symbol of the protests is a bloody hand, and the main slogans are “Corruption Kills” and “Your Hands Are Bloody.”

The government’s response to these citizen protests, which are largely led by young people, has been repression. Instead of ensuring an independent investigation, the police, prosecutors, and courts have aligned themselves with the regime, participating in covering up the evidence of the tragedy. The police are arresting youth activists, students, and opposition politicians, while refusing to detain violent individuals who physically attacked demonstrators and vandalized public property, such as the City Hall in Novi Sad.

In response to this repression, the protests have grown larger each day. Students are leading the way, having blocked over 50 faculties across Serbia, demanding truth and justice. High school students have joined them, blocking their schools with the same demands. They are supported by their parents, grandparents, relatives, and friends. The rebellion is spreading throughout Serbia, and Vučić’s regime is panicking, which raises concerns about the potential for even more brutal violence.

For this reason, we make a collegial appeal for you to come and report on the events in Serbia. We understand the complexity of the geopolitical situation, but we call on you to come here, to the heart of Europe, and witness firsthand the righteous struggle of our citizens—a struggle we proudly say can serve as an example for all of Europe.

Sincerely yours,

The Coalition for Media Freedom, Serbia

Media Association, Association of Online Media (AOM), Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina (NDNV), Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS), Business Association of Local and Independent Media „Lokal Pres“, Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation, and the Branch Union of Culture, Arts, and Media „Independence“ (Nezavisnost).