Belgrade - Calling for a Revolution
The Serb students hungry for a revolution
After fifty years of communist rule and four years of war, a revolution is stirring in Belgrade.
We closely follow the people behind the protest movement. For three months, protesters braved one of the coldest winters in Serbia to do battle with police truncheons and tear gas.
Students, Miroslav and Maria, are learning to beat government sponsored repression with banners and marches. Maria explains that after the war and consequent economic crisis, Milosevic's annulment of local elections was "the last straw". Backed by their professors who suspended classes in protest, the students turned their faculty into an HQ and communicate with their supporters through newsletters and the Internet. But they remain cynical about the Opposition's commitment to democracy and blame politicians for the war in Yugoslavia. Consequently, they kept their rallies separate and emphasize that their supporters hold diverse political opinions. They are united by a need for change. Every night Miroslav meets up with his mother to march through the streets blowing whistles. But living outside Belgrade, Miroslav's aunt and uncle view the protesters as interfering troublemakers. Includes some violent incidents as police clash with cameramen and stragglers.
Produced by ABC Australia
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