Student and Belgrade Citizens’ Protests Outside Informer: The Fight Against Fake Media in Serbia

What’s Happening Outside Informer?

Today, March 29, 2025, students and citizens of Belgrade gathered in front of the Informer tabloid’s offices in Vozdovac, chanting “return the head to the horse, Dragane.” This six-hour protest is part of a broader wave of discontent directed at the outlet, notorious for its controversial headlines and accusations of spreading disinformation. The students and Belgrade residents have declared their opposition to Informer, accusing it of systematic lies, manipulation, and targeting their peers involved in anti-government protests. This event isn’t an isolated occurrence but the culmination of months of tension between activists and media outlets aligned with the ruling powers.

Why Are Students and Belgrade Citizens Protesting from the Start?

The protests by students and Belgrade citizens began on November 1, 2024, following the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad railway station, which killed 15 people—later rising to 16. The disaster sparked widespread outrage due to the belief that it resulted from corruption, negligence, and poorly executed renovations overseen by Chinese companies under the umbrella of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). Students and Belgrade residents took to the streets demanding justice, accountability, and an end to President Aleksandar Vučić’s authoritarian rule, which has dominated the country for over a decade.

The protests escalated in March 2025, when a demonstration in Belgrade drew over 325,000 people—the largest gathering in Serbia’s recent history. Students and citizens of Belgrade have become the driving force of this movement, organizing blockades, strikes, and symbolic actions like a 15-minute silence to honor the victims. Their frustration isn’t just aimed at the government but also at media outlets like Informer, which they see as an extension of the regime, responsible for spreading propaganda and discrediting the opposition.

Who Is Informer and Why Are Students and Belgrade Citizens Protesting There?

Informer is a tabloid in Serbia known for its sensationalist headlines and frequently accused of promoting fake news in support of the SNS. Led by editor-in-chief Dragan J. Vučićević, it has a reputation for aggressive campaigns against Vučić’s political opponents, including opposition leaders, journalists, and activists. Students and Belgrade citizens claim that Informer consistently targets their peers, publishing defamatory and fabricated stories to undermine the protest movement.

For example, Informer has often been criticized for inventing narratives about “Western agents” allegedly orchestrating the protests—a storyline the government uses to justify its actions. With a large circulation and significant influence, particularly among older demographics, Informer stands out in Serbia’s media landscape. Scandals like these are nothing new—it has faced scrutiny from independent journalists and fact-checking organizations for years over its disinformation practices.

The chant “return the head to the horse, Dragane” could be a satirical jab at Vučićević, suggesting he’s lost touch with reality. Regardless of its exact meaning, the message is clear: students and Belgrade citizens are protesting to confront media outlets they view as complicit in corruption and repression.

Fake Media in Serbia: The Bigger Picture

Informer isn’t alone in this landscape. Serbia’s media scene is rife with tabloids and TV stations like RTS, Srpski Telegraf, TV Pink, and TV Happy, all frequently accused of spreading propaganda and disinformation to bolster the government. These outlets, often funded or indirectly controlled by the SNS, play a crucial role in sustaining Vučić’s regime. For instance, Srpski Telegraf mirrors Informer’s sensationalist tactics, while TV Pink and TV Happy regularly broadcast content that glorifies the government and vilifies the opposition and protests.

Independent media, such as N1 or the fact-checking portal Istinomer, face constant pressure, including physical attacks on journalists, legal threats, and financial strangulation. This polarization has created a reality where most citizens only access a one-sided narrative, while critical voices are stifled. Students and Belgrade citizens see these “fake media” outlets as pillars of the regime, which explains why protests outside Informer have become a symbolic stand for free speech and truth.

Why Do These Protests Matter?

This clash isn’t just about Informer—it’s part of a broader struggle for democracy in Serbia. Students and Belgrade citizens are protesting because they believe corruption and media manipulation threaten their country’s future. Their goal isn’t just to topple Vučić but to build a system where institutions serve the people, not the other way around. Protesting outside Informer reflects the determination of the youth and residents to expose and dismantle the disinformation machinery propping up the status quo.

As the protests continue to grow, the question remains whether the government will yield to the pressure or resort to harsher measures. One thing is certain: the students and Belgrade citizens won’t back down easily, and Informer—along with similar outlets—will remain a focal point of their resistance until Serbia’s course changes.