# Serbian student protests and political unrest

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/serbian-student-protests-and-political-unrest
> Updated: 2026-09-21T17:38:26.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 2.

Political tension in Serbia has escalated following student-led protests and controversial political messaging. Initially, leaked documents indicated that student protesters proposed a referendum on European Union integration, aiming to allow citizens to decide on accession due to concerns that membership might imply recognition of Kosovo’s independence.

Following these developments, a video titled ‘Srbija ga nije htjela’ (Serbia Did Not Want Him), produced by students at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade, sparked intense controversy. The video features footage of President Aleksandar Vučić alongside protest clips. Ana Brnabić, President of the National Assembly, condemned the video as ‘monstrous’, interpreting certain imagery as a direct threat against the President. Specifically, Brnabić described the video as an ‘unprecedented campaign tactic’ and interpreted a scene involving soap in a prison cell as a direct threat of sexual violence against Vučić. She has called upon European partners and the European Parliament to review the content to determine if it aligns with democratic values.

Additionally, the video led to accusations of misogyny and inciting violence against activist Živko Gvozdenović. After using the term ‘ćacika’ in a video, media outlets characterized his remarks as threats of sexual violence, though Gvozdenović defended his language, claiming the term was used in a non-gendered context and did not imply physical harm.

In response to the unrest, analysts suggested President Vučić might pivot his campaign strategy to frame protesters as ‘brothers and sisters’ to appeal to undecided voters.

## Claims

- Ana Brnabić described the student video as ‘monstrous’. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Students of the Faculty of Dramatic Arts released a video titled ‘Serbia Did Not Want Him’. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Ana Brnabić interpreted the use of soap in the video as a direct threat of sexual violence against Aleksandar Vučić. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Ana Brnabić called on European partners and the European Parliament to evaluate the video. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Živko Gvozdenović stated that his use of the term ‘ćacika’ was not gendered and did not refer to women. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Serbia: Student video targeting Vučić sparks political outcry

A student video targeting Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has triggered a political crisis, with Ana Brnabić labeling it ‘monstrous’ and calling for European intervention.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-political-tension-rises-over-student-video-targeting-vui

### 2026-09-20: Serbian student protesters propose referendum on EU integration

Leaked documents reveal Serbian student protesters plan a referendum on EU integration, sparking debate over Kosovo's status and prompting a potential shift in President Vučić’s campaign rhetoric.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-student-protesters-propose-referendum-on-eu-integration

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Cite as: Serbian student protests and political unrest. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/serbian-student-protests-and-political-unrest