PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT AFTER THE SATURDAYS MASS PROTESTS IN BELGRADE

17 Mar PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT AFTER THE SATURDAYS MASS PROTESTS IN BELGRADE

On Saturday, March 15, during the massive protest in Belgrade, Vladimir Arsenijević, president of the KROKODIL Association, carried the Ukrainian and Palestinian flags to express solidarity with these two war-torn countries. He aimed to convey support from our fellow citizens and friends in Gaza and Ukraine, whom we have helped find safe haven in Serbia. Alongside others who carried the Georgian flag and the EU flag, he was attacked by a group of vulgar nationalist thugs who believed that the main narrative of this nationwide movement belonged to them.

Remarkably, not a single person present at the protest stood up to defend Vladimir Arsenijević, Mio Kapor, and Filip Jovanović, who were carrying those flags. It seems that the display of the flags of Ukraine and Palestine—nations symbolizing prolonged suffering and mass civilian casualties under the oppression of far more powerful neighbors—alongside the flag of Georgia, a country with which we have never had issues, and the EU flag, the union Serbia aspires to join, can be seen as a “provocation.” On the contrary, it is nothing but the display of deepest compassion.

We wholeheartedly support the student protests and want to believe that their actions are not ideologically influenced by extreme nationalism. However, we are all aware of the troubling presence and fetishization of war criminals, as well as various Orthodox insignia—such as crosses and icons—Chetnik iconography, šajkača caps, fur hats, cockades, and numerous Russian flags, coats of arms, and symbols that glorify and perpetuate the narrative of alleged brotherhood between Russia and Serbia. While we are shocked and taken aback by this, we remain determined to counter with the symbols we value and cherish. We believe this diversity of symbols does not negate the openness of most protesting citizens to democratic values, solidarity in the region, Europe, and the world, and progressive social and political ambitions.

Besides the video footage from the above mentioned scene we would also like to share a video (in continuation) showing support for the students from Rijeka, Croatia. This is the image we cherish and passionately advocate for: regional, European, and global solidarity, understanding, and cooperation. And, of course, elementary decency.

For video click HERE

Photo creds: V. Radovanović DANAS