Alert+

Large-Scale Protests
Planned in Novi Sad

Serbia Braces for Mass Demonstrations Marking Novi Sad Tragedy

SITUATION SUMMARY | Intelligence cut off: 13:30 BST 31 OCTOBER 2025

1 November will be the first anniversary of the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, Serbia, which killed 16 people. The incident sparked large-scale protests, which quickly expanded to other Serbian cities and evolved into a broader anti-government movement against perceived corruption. The protests are the largest in Serbia’s history, with one rally in March recording an attendance of more than 325,000 people in Belgrade alone.

On 31 October and 1 November, large-scale demonstrations are scheduled to take place in Novi Sad to mark the first anniversary of the incident. Student groups, who led the initial protests in 2024, have staged a march from Belgrade to Novi Sad, with approximately 6,000 people in attendance according to local media. Separate efforts have been undertaken by activist groups from other parts of Serbia and neighbouring countries to transport attendees to Novi Sad for the anniversary. Protesters are expected to congregate near Novi Sad station, on Bulevar Jaše Tomića.

The government of Aleksandar Vučić and its allies have opposed the protests, at times suggesting that they are an attempt to stage a “colour revolution” in Serbia under the direction of foreign powers; a reference to 21st century protests in post-Soviet states that precipitated changes of government. Some local media outlets have reported that an unspecified number of government supporters also plan to travel to Novi Sad to stage counterprotests on 31 October and 1 November.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Large-Scale Demonstrations Expected to Disrupt Novi Sad and Belgrade

While the organisers of the march to Novi Sad have repeatedly reiterated their commitment to peaceful protest, the possibility of political violence on 31 October and 1 November cannot be ruled out. The past twelve months of anti-government protests have significantly deepened divisions in Serbia’s political landscape, and there have been repeated cases of targeted attacks against anti-government protesters during past demonstrations. Moreover, the anniversary falls only days after a shooting occurred outside the Serbian parliament, in an area where supporters of the president had erected an improvised “encampment”. The shooting injured one, and Vučić described it as a “terrorist attack”.

Should the protests turn violent, Serbian police are likely to use heavy-handed crowd control measures such as pepper spray, tear gas, stun grenades and water cannons. These tactics have previously intensified unrest, with their use during past demonstrations often provoking larger turnouts, escalating clashes, and fuelling public anger over perceived police brutality.

While the main rallying point for the demonstrators will be the vicinity of the Novi Sad train station, the protests are likely to create disruptions throughout the city’s centre. In past demonstrations, protesters blocked the city’s main bridges over the Danube, as well as the main roadways leading to and from the city. Even in the absence of violent unrest, the protests are likely to result in traffic disruptions in and around Novi Sad.

Travel and Safety Guidance for Serbia

Avoid all non-necessary travel to central Novi Sad on 31 October and 1 November.
Avoid travelling near Serbian government buildings, universities and local administrative facilities.
Expect longer police and ambulance response times on 31 October and 1 November.
Allocate additional time for all travel to and from Novi Sad and Belgrade.
Closely monitor announcements from local authorities and media sources for any developments that may severely impact the local security environment.
Avoid all areas of potential unrest due to incidental risks to bystanders. If caught in unrest, travellers should move with the crowd until they find the nearest opportunity to escape. If in a vehicle, look to turn down the nearest road. If driving away is not an option, lock the vehicle and escape on foot.
Always follow all instructions and orders from security forces. Where possible, avoid areas of active unrest and remain in a secure accommodation.
Prolonged civil unrest can disrupt travel, especially if protesters begin targeting airports. Travellers should have contingency measures in place, including evacuation plans and reliable access to food, water and medication.
Have emergency contact numbers saved on your phone. These should include local authorities, medical facilities and any consular support. Ensure that mobile phones are charged ahead of travel.
If available, monitor your intelligence provider’s alerting platform and trusted local media for updates relevant to the unrest.