**Serbian President Vucic Threatens Students Blocking State TV**
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has once again threatened students who have been blocking the country’s state television (RTS) building. In a post on his Instagram account, Vucic warned those responsible for blocking RTS and interfering with the work of state institutions.
“Today is Good Friday – a day of sorrow, mourning, and pain,” said Vucic. “But also a day of hope. Unfortunately, even on this holiest of Christian holidays, some people are trying to destroy our state and its foundations through violence.”
Vucic’s comments come after students have been blocking RTS buildings since Monday. They are demanding either a new competition for seats on the Council of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) or the shutdown of public broadcasters.
**Students Protest, Vucic Responds**
The students’ protest has sparked a response from President Vucic. “Whatever I may think of that program,” he said, referring to RTS’s programming, “this is horrifying and deeply disturbing.” He called on state authorities to take measures to protect the constitutional order and legality.
Vucic urged the authorities to act without using excessive force, saying that when force was necessary, it should be minimal. This came after reports emerged that police had been ordered to break student blockades around RTS buildings in central Belgrade and the Kosutnjak neighborhood during the night from Thursday to Friday.
**Opposition Leader Denies Claims of Police Force**
However, Serbian Internal Affairs Minister Ivica Dacic later denied opposition claims that police used force against students. Democratic Party (DS) leader Srdjan Milivojevic had earlier stated that President Vucic had ordered special police units to forcibly clear student blockades.
The standoff between the government and the students highlights the ongoing tensions in Serbia, where protests have become a regular occurrence. The students’ demands for reform of the media regulator and public broadcasters are seen as key issues by many opposition groups and civil society organizations.
**A Deeper Analysis**
This development reflects the deepening polarization within Serbian society. The ruling party has been trying to consolidate power and control over the media, while opposition groups and civil society organizations have been pushing for greater transparency and accountability.
The student protests are a symptom of this broader issue. By blocking RTS, they are drawing attention to what many see as an attempt by the government to muzzle dissenting voices and maintain its grip on the media. President Vucic’s response is part of a larger effort to assert control over the situation, using language that highlights the perceived threat to the state.
The use of force, or even the threat of it, will likely escalate tensions further. As Serbia navigates these complex issues, one thing is clear: the fate of its media landscape and the role of public broadcasters are being decided on the streets and in the halls of power.
