Serbia Protests: Government Arrests Opposition Leaders Amid Growing Unrest

Serbia protests have intensified as the government continues its crackdown on opposition leaders and activists. In the latest escalation, Vladimir Šiškin, a senior member of the Serbia Center (SRCE) party, was detained by police in Leskovac early this morning. His arrest follows a series of politically motivated detentions targeting critics of President Aleksandar Vučić’s regime. With protests spreading across the country, Serbia’s government appears increasingly desperate to silence dissent through force and intimidation.

Student Protests and Police Repression

The largest student protest in recent Serbian history took place on March 15, 2025, when thousands of students gathered in Belgrade to demand an end to government corruption and political oppression. The demonstration, organized by university student groups, called for greater academic freedom, media independence, and a stop to police brutality.

However, instead of engaging in dialogue, the government responded with unprecedented force. Serbian police deployed the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), commonly known as a “sound gun,” against peaceful protesters. The device emits extremely loud, high-frequency sounds designed to disperse crowds, but its use has been widely criticized as inhumane and dangerous. Many students reported temporary hearing loss, severe headaches, and nausea after being subjected to the weapon.

Human rights organizations and opposition leaders condemned the government’s use of military-grade crowd control measures against unarmed protesters. The incident further fueled public anger and reinforced the perception that Vučić’s administration is willing to go to extreme lengths to suppress dissent.

A Pattern of Political Arrests

The detention of Šiškin comes just days after the arrests of opposition figures Goran Ješić and Savo Manojlović. Ješić, a former vice-president of the Vojvodina region, was detained in Novi Sad for allegedly resisting police during an anti-government demonstration. Manojlović, a prominent activist, was arrested in Belgrade while protesting the demolition of the historic Savski bridge. Both men have accused authorities of using arbitrary detention to suppress political opposition.

These arrests are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of government repression. The Serbian police, often acting on direct orders from the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), have intensified their actions against opposition figures and protesters. Human rights organizations have raised concerns over the excessive use of force, illegal detentions, and the increasing involvement of plainclothes officers in suppressing demonstrations.

Why Are the Protests Escalating?

The current wave of Serbia protests was triggered by a tragic event in November 2024: the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy, which killed 14 people. The disaster was widely seen as a result of government negligence and corruption, igniting nationwide outrage. The Serbian government’s response—denial, deflection, and suppression—only fueled public anger.

The Serbia protests have since evolved into a broader movement against corruption, authoritarianism, and the erosion of democratic institutions. Demonstrators demand greater government accountability, an end to political persecution, and the restoration of media freedom. However, instead of addressing these concerns, the Serbian government has doubled down on repression, using arrests, police violence, and legal harassment to quell dissent.

Russian Influence and External Interference

Adding to concerns about democratic backsliding in Serbia, recent reports suggest that Russian intelligence services have been actively involved in helping the Serbian government suppress protests. Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin recently confirmed that Moscow has provided intelligence support to Belgrade, portraying the protests as a Western-backed “color revolution.”

This raises troubling questions about Serbia’s political independence. While Vučić publicly maintains a balancing act between the West and Russia, his increasing reliance on Moscow’s security apparatus suggests a deeper alignment with authoritarian regimes. If the Serbian government is outsourcing political repression to Russian operatives, it signals an alarming shift toward an even more autocratic governance style.

International Silence and Domestic Resistance

Despite growing evidence of human rights violations, international reactions to Serbia’s crackdown have been muted. The European Union, which Serbia aspires to join, has largely avoided directly confronting Vučić on his government’s abuses. This lack of action has emboldened the Serbian leadership, reinforcing the belief that they can suppress dissent without facing significant consequences.

However, the Serbian people are not backing down. Each new arrest only strengthens public resolve, with more citizens taking to the streets in defiance of government intimidation. Civil society groups, independent journalists, and opposition parties continue to document and expose state abuses, ensuring that the regime’s actions do not go unnoticed.

What’s Next for Serbia?

The future of the Serbia protests remains uncertain. As the government intensifies its crackdown, the risk of further violence and mass arrests grows. Yet, history has shown that authoritarian measures often backfire, galvanizing resistance rather than crushing it.

If the Serbian government continues on its current path, it risks deepening the country’s political crisis, alienating both its citizens and international allies. The opposition, despite facing severe repression, is gaining momentum, with activists calling for continued demonstrations and greater international scrutiny.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Serbia moves toward greater democracy or deeper authoritarianism. One thing is certain: the people of Serbia are making it clear that they will not be silenced.