A group of university students, now in their tenth consecutive night of protests, continues to block the headquarters of Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) in both Takovska Street and Kosutnjak, effectively preventing employees from entering their workplace. What began on April 14 at 10 PM has turned into a full-scale occupation that has disrupted the broadcaster’s operations and drawn condemnation from top state officials.
The blockade, which the government and RTS leadership have labeled illegal, has already led to major disruptions in programming. Most notably, for the first time in over two decades, RTS was unable to broadcast its annual memorial tribute to employees killed during the NATO bombing of the station in 1999, an event that took the lives of 16 staff members.
President Vucic Slams Blockade as “Unprecedented Crime”
Reacting strongly to the ongoing events, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic described the blockade as “a crime without precedent,” noting that regardless of one’s opinion of RTS as an institution, no one has the right to deny people access to food, water, or their jobs.
“What they’re doing to RTS is nothing short of criminal,” Vucic said. “This has been going on for 10 days. People can’t get out to buy food or drink, they can’t do their jobs. And all this is silently supported by outside influences. It makes you wonder how something like this is even possible.”
Criminal Complaint Filed, Authorities Interview RTS Officials
RTS has filed a criminal complaint with the First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade against unidentified persons for allegedly preventing the broadcast of content and interfering with media operations. The Prosecutor’s Office has already interviewed key RTS figures, including the general secretary and department directors, in connection with the case.
Authorities have yet to make public the next steps, but the case has clearly gained priority status.
Foreign Minister Djuric: Serbia’s Image Under Threat
Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric also condemned the ongoing blockade, arguing that it damages the country’s image abroad and violates both domestic and international legal norms.
“This sends a troubling message to the international community—that democratic processes are not universally respected in Serbia,” said Djuric in a televised statement. “Differences in political views must be addressed through dialogue and democratic institutions, not through illegal blockades of national media outlets.”
Minister Bratina: Political Agenda Behind Protests
Boris Bratina, newly appointed Minister of Information and Telecommunications, joined the chorus of criticism, labeling the blockade “completely unacceptable” and accusing the student movement of harboring political motives.
“No one can justify denying journalists their basic right to work. Not allowing access to food or water? That’s indefensible,” Bratina stated. He further suggested that the protests are being driven by certain internal and external groups seeking to fulfill political ambitions under the guise of civic action.
He also dismissed student demands for a new competition for REM Council appointments, claiming that such matters fall outside his ministry’s jurisdiction and that REM operates as an independent body.
“We’re not the police, nor the judiciary,” Bratina added. “But those who are need to act.”
Streets Around RTS Remain Blocked, Morning Program Off-Air
The blockade has also paralyzed surrounding traffic. Major streets like Takovska, Ilije Garasanina, and Aberdareva remain sealed off, with dumpsters used as barricades at key intersections. RTS’s facility at Kosutnjak has also been impacted, with Knez Viseslav Street now closed to vehicles.
As a result of the disruption, RTS is airing programs on a modified schedule. Despite the challenges, staff members have reportedly been working under immense pressure to maintain the broadcaster’s output.
Still, the morning show has not aired since the protests began, and the RTS management warns that continued interference could trigger broader consequences. A plea for intervention has already been submitted to international institutions.
