**Students from Serbia Unite in Protest Against Authoritarianism**
A group of students who cycled 1,400 kilometers from Novi Sad to Strasbourg gathered in front of the Council of Europe on Wednesday. Their goal was not only to reach the European institution but also to send a powerful message against authoritarianism and corruption in their home country.
The students, led by Veljko from the Faculty of Technical Sciences (FTN), stood in solidarity with each other as they read aloud a letter addressed to French President Emmanuel Macron. The letter is part of their peaceful protest against the erosion of democratic values in Serbia.
**A Message of Hope and Protest**
Veljko’s words echoed through the crowd, emphasizing that the students did not take on this journey out of ease but because it was necessary. They came from a country where truth has been silenced, justice has become an echo of the past, and change seems impossible. However, they refuse to give up hope.
Every turn of their pedals was a protest against fear, Veljko said, highlighting that even in the face of adversity, the power of courage and determination can move mountains. The students pedaled over 1,400 kilometers not just to reach Strasbourg but to remind themselves and the world that hope still exists and sometimes it moves on two wheels.
**A Call for Accountability**
The letter addressed to Macron and the European Commission is a direct call for accountability from the international community. The students detail the deepening erosion of democratic values in Serbia, where institutions no longer serve their citizens but instead protect the interests of a powerful few. They mention the compromised elections, the pressure on media, and the marginalization of critical thought.
The immediate spark for this protest was the tragic collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad that killed 16 people, including children. However, the root cause lies deeper: systemic irresponsibility, corruption, and the destruction of institutions once meant to serve the people.
**A Message to Macron**
In their letter, the students appeal to President Macron to show his support for truth, justice, and freedom in Serbia. They emphasize that this support would mean a great deal not only to them but also to an entire generation of young people who want to stay in their country and build it upon the foundations of democracy and dignity.
The students are clear: they are not riding toward Europe to flee Serbia; they are riding to bring it back. This message is not just a call for help from abroad but a statement of hope and determination within.
**Conclusion**
As Veljko announced, this letter, along with another addressed to the European Commission, will be sent by mail on Thursday. The students also called for 16 minutes of silence in memory of the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy.
The story of these students who cycled 1,400 kilometers to make their voices heard is a testament to the power of youth activism and the enduring spirit of hope and change. Their journey serves as a reminder that even in times of despair, courage and unity can lead the way toward a brighter future.
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