Thousands of protesters have gathered outside a pro-government TV station in Serbia, accusing it of spreading propaganda against university students who have been leading months of large-scale anti-corruption protests against the government of President Aleksandar Vučić.
Informer TV, a private station loyal to Vučić and his right-wing government, has repeatedly labelled the student protesters as extremists and mercenaries during the nearly five-month-long demonstrations.
Although the protests have remained peaceful, pro-government media have accused the organisers of inciting violence and trying to overthrow the government, without offering any proof.
Student Ivona Markovic said, "For months now, ever since the blockades started, we have been their target, we have been constantly smeared in the media."
The protests began after a concrete canopy collapsed in November at Novi Sad train station in northern Serbia, killing 16 people.
The tragedy highlighted widespread government corruption, leading to demands for accountability and political change.
The protests have put pressure on Vučić, who is seeking EU membership for Serbia but maintains close ties with Russia and China.
Vučić has promised a "counter-revolution" against the protests and authorities have threatened legal action against university professors, including calling for the arrest of Vladan Djokic, the head dean at Belgrade University.
On Saturday, Vučić visited a group of supporters, including pro-government university students, outside the presidency building and stated that those responsible for "anarchy" at the universities would be held accountable.
The student protests have attracted hundreds of thousands of people, resonating with citizens disillusioned with politicians.
Some students staged a symbolic "decontamination" performance outside the Informer TV building, wearing protective white suits and launched a petition to restrict the station's access to broadcasting frequencies.
The students said, "This is a media war between Informer and students, between lies and truth, abuse of power and resistance. They don't inform, they persecute."
Informer TV, widely consumed in Serbia, has received support from top government officials.
Independent media outlets in the country have struggled to gain visibility and critical journalists have faced pressure, hate campaigns and lawsuits.
