Media Coverage of the Vidovdan Protests in BelgradeCEFR A2
3 Oct 2025
Adapted from International and Security Affairs Centre - ISAC, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Stefan Kostić, Unsplash
An analysis by Nataša Stanojević was published by ISAC, part of the Western Balkans Anti-Disinformation Hub, and an edited version was republished by Global Voices. It looks at media coverage and political reactions to large protests on June 28 in Belgrade, held on the national and religious holiday Vidovdan.
Organizers and many people came to call for snap elections, institutional reforms and action against corruption. Pro-government media often framed the protests as a threat and used hostile labels. Some outlets linked the protests to foreign influence or Srebrenica, though organisers did not say this. Independent media, human rights groups and the Council of Europe reported that most of the protest was peaceful. After police intervention there were arrests, detentions and reports of physical abuse. The analysis warns these tactics can damage democracy and trust.
Difficult words
- protest — A public demonstration against something.protested, protests
- government — The group of people who control a country.
- media — Ways to communicate information to the public.
- cover — The way news is reported or presented.coverage
- public — People in a community or society.
- democracy — A system where people vote to choose leaders.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think the government called protesters blockaders?
- How can media influence public opinion during a protest?
- What are some ways people can peacefully protest?
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