Media Coverage of the Vidovdan Protests in Belgrade ^{CEFR B1}

An analysis by Nataša Stanojević was published by the International and Security Affairs Centre (ISAC), part of the Western Balkans Anti-Disinformation Hub; an edited version was republished by Global Voices. The study examines how media and politicians reacted to the large June 28 protests in Belgrade, held on the national and religious holiday Vidovdan. Organizers chose that date to stress the seriousness of their demands.

The protest gathered around 140,000 people. Demonstrators called for snap elections, institutional reform, stronger accountability and action against corruption. Pro-government media often presented the protests as dangerous and used pejorative labels such as "blockaders", "hooligans" and "terrorists". Tabloids like Informer described police action as an "anti-hooligan operation" and used alarmist headlines.

Independent outlets, human rights organisations and the Council of Europe said most of the protest was peaceful. The analysis notes that several incidents occurred after police intervention, when excessive force was used, and that hundreds were arrested or detained with documented cases of physical abuse. It highlights propaganda tactics that seek to discredit civic demands and warns of long-term risks to democratic debate and public trust.