The streets of Belgrade were illuminated by a sea of mobile phone lights as over 100,000 protesters gathered in a massive anti-corruption rally.
The demonstration, led by university students, marked the culmination of months-long protests against systemic corruption and the government of President Aleksandar Vučić.
The protesters, united in their demand for accountability, held their phones aloft, creating a powerful visual symbol of hope and resistance. The rally, dubbed “15 for 15,” honored the 15 victims of a tragic train station collapse in Novi Sad last November, an incident many blame on government negligence and corruption. For 15 minutes, the crowd observed a poignant silence, their lights piercing the night as a tribute to the lives lost.
The protest was not confined to Belgrade. People from across Serbia marched, cycled, and traveled to the capital, bringing with them the spirit of their communities. Farmers arrived on tractors, students carried books for upcoming exams, and families joined with strollers and homemade banners. The rally showcased a diverse coalition of citizens, from young activists to elderly supporters, all united by a shared vision of justice and transparency.
Chants of “Pump it up!” echoed through the streets, a slogan that has become synonymous with the movement. Protesters carried banners with messages like “Corruption kills!” and “Freedom is not a privilege!” The atmosphere was charged with determination, as participants called for an end to the entrenched corruption that has plagued the nation.
The lights of Belgrade shone brightly, not just as a protest against corruption, but as a beacon of hope for a more transparent and accountable future. The rally demonstrated the power of collective action and the resilience of a nation determined to reclaim its democracy.