Government loyalists attacked opposition activists in multiple Serbian cities on May 12, marking a dangerous escalation in political tensions that have gripped the country since mass student protests began earlier this year.
In Belgrade's Karaburma neighborhood, three activists distributing student movement stickers were assaulted by individuals standing near a Serbian Progressive Party booth. One victim, identified as N.D.Ž., suffered a concussion and required emergency medical treatment, according to regional broadcaster N1.
"They were kicking my husband first, then two others went after another activist and knocked him down as well," the victim's wife told reporters. The activists had been distributing stickers reading "students win" when attackers crossed the street to confront them, shouting the government's campaign slogan "Serbia wins."
<h2>Attacks Spread Across Multiple Cities</h2>
The violence was not isolated to the capital. Similar incidents were reported in Šabac, Palilula, and along Višnjička street in Belgrade, where video footage captured groups of men physically assaulting people engaged in peaceful political activities.
In Palilula, three young men distributing student stickers at a stand were beaten by individuals described by witnesses as "government thugs." In Zrenjanin, pro-government groups began throwing eggs at protesters, further demonstrating the coordinated nature of the intimidation campaign.
The timing and geographic spread of the attacks suggest orchestrated coordination rather than spontaneous confrontations. Activists have been peacefully distributing materials supporting the student-led opposition movement, which emerged following the tragic November collapse of a railway canopy in that killed 15 people.
