**Students Honor Victims of NATO Air Strike with 9-Day Protest**
For the ninth consecutive day, students have been blocking the headquarters of Serbia’s state TV (RTS) in a silent protest. The protesters are calling on the public to lay flowers and pay tribute to the RTS staff who lost their lives in a devastating NATO air strike in 1999.
On April 22-23, 1999, a missile struck an antenna array next to part of the building where studios and editing rooms were located. Tragically, 16 people were killed, including journalists, video editors, security guards, makeup staff, and others who were working the night shift. The victims will be remembered at a nearby monument at 2:06 am, the exact time of the air strike.
The students who have been protesting at the RTS headquarters said that many people gathered for the memorial service on Tuesday evening. They also laid flowers at the monument in memory of those who lost their lives. The protesters are urging authorities to investigate the events of that night 26 years ago and to fulfill a long-standing promise by the City of Belgrade to erect a memorial.
In a unique show of solidarity, the protesting students have been keeping quiet throughout their demonstrations, refraining from playing music or making noise. This peaceful protest will continue on Wednesday, with plans to lay flowers at the monument in the park above the RTS headquarters at 2:06 PM.
**A Call for Justice and Remembrance**
The silent protest by these students is a powerful reminder of the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The victims of the NATO air strike deserve justice, and it’s heartening to see a new generation taking up this cause. By calling on the public to lay flowers and pay tribute, the protesters are also highlighting the human cost of conflict.
As we reflect on this somber anniversary, it’s essential to acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives that night. The students’ protest is a testament to the enduring power of remembrance and the importance of seeking truth and justice.
