Media Coverage of the Vidovdan Protests in Belgrade ^{CEFR B2}

An analysis by Nataša Stanojević was published by the International and Security Affairs Centre (ISAC), which is part of the Western Balkans Anti-Disinformation Hub. An edited version was republished by Global Voices. The research looks at media narratives and political responses to the large demonstrations on June 28 in Belgrade, timed on the national and religious holiday Vidovdan to underline the protesters' message.

The protest attracted around 140,000 people. Organizers demanded snap elections, institutional reforms, greater accountability and action against corruption. Pro-government media responded with a campaign that framed the protests as a threat. Many outlets used pejorative labels and sensational headlines; tabloids such as Informer called police measures an "anti-hooligan operation" and published claims of a "hellish plan" and "blood on the streets." Some reports also suggested links to foreign actors, including Croatia or Croatian intelligence, and tied protesters to Srebrenica narratives, despite no evidence in public statements by organisers.

Independent media, human rights organisations and the Council of Europe reported that most of the events were peaceful and that the main incidents occurred after police intervention, when excessive force was used. Hundreds were arrested or detained and there are documented cases of physical abuse. The analysis identifies key propaganda tactics—labeling participants, manipulating events, constructing a foreign enemy and glorifying police action—and argues these practices criminalize civic resistance and justify repressive measures.

In the longer term, the study warns these tactics risk consolidating authoritarian patterns: framing criticism as treason or terrorism shrinks democratic debate and can erode democratic institutions, freedom of expression and public trust, even if they bring short-term stability for those in power.