The Serbian protest movement has captured internationalattention—but how did it really begin?
In this first episode of a special two-part Talk Eastern Europe series, we speak with Serbian civil rights and environmental activist Nikola Ristić, who was among the first activists to organize after the deadly collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy in November 2024.
Nikola shares his extraordinary personal story, from being detained by Serbia's security services and having spyware installed on his phone to witnessing the birth of the Red Hand symbol and the rise of the student movement that continues to shape Serbian politics today.
We also discuss:
• What happened in the days following the Novi Sad tragedy
• Why young people became the driving force behind theprotests
• State surveillance, intimidation and digital repression
• The student movement's political future
• Expo 2027 and corruption in Serbia
• Whether Serbia is approaching political change
This interview was recorded in early June 2026, before President Aleksandar Vučić announced his intention to resign. The conversation provides important context for understanding the protest movement that has transformed Serbian politics.
➡️ This is Part One of our special mini-series on Serbia. In the next episode, we speak with a Serbian activist now living in exile after being forced to leave the country.
Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.
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