Recent events in Serbia have been marked by significant political unrest and public protests. Thousands of citizens have taken to the streets in support of university students demanding accountability following a tragic incident in November, where a concrete canopy collapse resulted in 15 fatalities. The protests have evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations, challenging President Aleksandar Vučić's administration, which has faced accusations of autocratic governance. Additionally, tensions have escalated due to the controversial actions of Milorad Dodik in Serb-majority regions, leading to international condemnation and potential sanctions from the U.S. and EU.
Serbia, officially the Republic of Serbia, is a landlocked country located in Southeast Europe, in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula. It has a rich history influenced by various cultures and empires, including the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The country emerged as a sovereign state following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Serbia's capital, Belgrade, is one of the oldest cities in Europe and serves as a cultural and political hub. The nation has been navigating its path towards European integration while grappling with internal political challenges and regional tensions.
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On the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the US voted against a European-backed UN resolution condemning Russia, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy. This change reflects a growing divide between the US and its European allies regarding the conflict and its resolution.
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Milorad Dodik, president of Republika Srpska, has been sentenced to one year in prison and banned from politics for six years for defying Bosnia's Constitutional Court. This ruling intensifies existing tensions in the region, with Dodik threatening secession and rejecting central authority. The EU is responding by increasing its military presence in Bosnia.
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Amnesty International has reported that Serbian authorities used Cellebrite's spyware to hack a student activist's phone, exploiting vulnerabilities in the Linux USB kernel. This follows previous allegations of similar abuses against journalists and activists, raising concerns about state surveillance and human rights violations in Serbia.
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On March 4, 2025, chaos erupted in Serbia's parliament during a vote on university funding, as opposition lawmakers protested the ruling government's legitimacy. This incident highlights ongoing political turmoil following Prime Minister Milos Vucevic's resignation amid anti-corruption protests sparked by a tragic construction collapse that killed 15 people in November 2024.
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Following the tragic collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad, which killed 15 people, Serbia has seen months of anti-corruption protests. Demonstrators are demanding accountability from President Aleksandar Vučić's government, which they accuse of corruption and negligence. Tensions are rising as counter-rallies are planned by the government amid fears of violence.
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Opposition officials and Serbian rights groups claimed a ‘prohibited weapon’ was used against crowds in the capital on Saturday.
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The World Happiness Report 2025 reveals a decline in happiness rankings for the US and Australia, with the US at a record low of 24th. Finland retains the top spot for the eighth consecutive year, while the report highlights the importance of social connections and shared meals in enhancing well-being.
