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New York Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
My Country Is Showing America What's Possible
It was an Easter miracle. Protesters had been blocking the building of Radio Television of Serbia, the national public broadcaster in Belgrade, with a simple demand: cover objectively the monthslong struggle against Serbia's increasingly autocratic president, Aleksandar Vucic. But after days there, they needed reinforcements. On Good Friday students from Novi Pazar, the largest city in the region where most of the country's Muslims live, arrived to take over the blockade. Since Muslim students were not celebrating Easter, they volunteered to relieve their colleagues from Belgrade. This show of solidarity was magical enough. But then a war veteran, who had been wounded in 1992 during the siege of Sarajevo, addressed the crowd. After denouncing the broadcaster for siding with those in power, he greeted the students from Novi Pazar: 'Salaam aleikum' echoed across the square. 'Don't worry about your children,' he told their parents. 'There are no more 'ours' and 'yours.' They are all our children now.' It was a cathartic moment, a gesture of profound inclusion in a country scarred by wars and deep-seated divisions. But it was more than that. It marked a Copernican shift for Serbia, as the country is being transformed by a brave and enduring student-led movement. Combating an entrenched and powerful autocratic government, protesters are showing what — against all the odds — is possible. Here in the Balkans, something extraordinary is happening. Serbia has seen major protest movements before. In 1996, students launched mass demonstrations against the regime of Slobodan Milosevic, beginning his downfall, which finally came in 2000. In the 13 years of Mr. Vucic's rule, there have been several waves of protest — against shady development projects like Belgrade Waterfront, in defiance of widespread violence and, most recently, opposing lithium exploitation by the mining company Rio Tinto. But today's movement is the largest and most extensive yet, reaching deep into Serbian society. Its catalyst came last November, when the canopy of a train station collapsed in the city of Novi Sad, killing 16 people. The station's reconstruction had recently been completed: Corruption, many believed, lay at the heart of the tragedy. Protests demanding those responsible be held to account began almost instantly and continued through the winter, spreading across the country. The government tried to defang them. Mr. Vucic induced his prime minister, a longtime ally, to resign and released thousands of documents related to the station renovation. His administration also said it would offer young people loans of up to about $100,000 to buy apartments. Yet a huge protest on March 15 — the biggest single demonstration by far — showed these efforts had failed. Estimates vary, but it's safe to say that close to half a million people filled the streets of Belgrade that day. I was one of them, and it was a truly joyous occasion, though not without tension. Figures in dark clothes were spotted on rooftops, gathering around the presidential building and patrolling side streets, looking like the dark-clad men who beat up students in an early protest. Even so, the day was peaceful — until, during a 15-minute silence for the victims of the rail station disaster, there was a sudden piercing noise. It was, we were sure, a sonic weapon. The government denies it, though the authorities have admitted to possessing long-range acoustic devices. Whatever it says, the government is clearly rattled. Since coming to power in 2012, Mr. Vucic and his governing Serbian Progressive Party have had things mostly their own way. Blending hard-line nationalism and constant fearmongering about internal and external enemies with a pro-European facade, Mr. Vucic has successfully consolidated control of the country. In the process, he has turned Serbia into something of a Frankenstein's monster, flirting simultaneously with Russia and America, China and France, Turkey and Germany. At home, his success has been built on uniting the business class behind him and rigging the electoral process. Mr. Vucic has also built a network of so-called loyalists who, he recently claimed, 'swore in blood' to serve him. These are the people he trusts more than any single institution, even those entirely under his sway. Though the government uses its control of the media to secure the support of a significant portion of the population, it still depends on this layer of loyalists as both its foundation and its primary instrument of intimidation. This is the climate Mr. Vucic is relying on as he moves against the rectors, professors, students, independent journalists and intellectuals who have joined the protest movement. As university occupations and student-organized assemblies have continued, he has frontally attacked Serbia's educators and academic community. Including threats of firings, the withholding of salaries and the beating of students, it amounts to a wholesale assault on universities. In this, he is following in the footsteps of fellow would-be autocrats. In Viktor Orban's Hungary, one of the most important higher education institutions in Europe, Central European University, was effectively forced out of the country. In Turkey, after a failed 2016 coup attempt, thousands of professors were fired and a few even imprisoned under accusations of supporting Fethullah Gulen. And in the United States, of course, President Trump has turbocharged a conservative attack on universities, threatening cuts and withholding funding from major institutions. In Serbia, no one has backed down. In collaboration with workers and trade unions, students organized a major May Day protest and have been trying to raise international awareness of the struggle. A group of 80 students cycled to Strasbourg, France, to bring the situation to the doors of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, and a group of runners are making the marathon journey from Belgrade to the European Union's headquarters in Brussels to do the same. Determined to change the country for the better, protesters are now calling for early elections. There's no assurance they'll succeed. After months of protests, blockades and door-to-door campaigning, many are exhausted. Some have been imprisoned, accused of plotting a coup, and there have been incidents of police brutality. But for all the difficulties, the protesters are doing it their own way — without leaders, without hierarchies, through plenums and strictly horizontal decision-making. Equal and united in solidarity, they are changing Serbia and setting an example for the world to follow. Now, that really would be a miracle.
Press and Journal
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Slobodan Rubezic delivers update on Aberdeen future as defender reveals why he went on loan to Serbia
Aberdeen defender Slobodan Rubezic has confirmed he will return to Pittodrie in the summer after his loan spell with Novi Pazar. In February this year the 25-year-old rejoined the Serbian SuperLiga club that had sold him to the Dons. Rubezic confirmed the loan switch was made for personal reasons as he wanted to be closer to home. There have been claims in Serbian media that Novi Pazar have an option to buy Rubezic but it is understood that is not the case. Centre-back Rubezic, who is in regular contact with captain Graeme Shinnie, will return to Pittodrie for pre-season ready to fight for a spot in boss Jimmy Thelin's team. Aberdeen centre-back Slobodan Rubezic is substituted off in the first-half. Image: Shutterstock The defender had slipped down the pecking order following the January transfer window signing of centre-backs Mats Knoester, Kristers Tobers and Alfie Dorrington. On loan Tottenham Hotspur defender Dorrington will return to his parent club at the end of the season. Rubezic cheers on Dons from Serbia Rubezic has been a key player for Novi Pazar who are in the play-offs and battling to secure European qualification. The defender says he is cheering on the Dons from Serbia in their bid to finish third in the Premiership and lift the Scottish Cup. Aberdeen's Slobodan Rubezic, centre, is enjoying his football again back in Serbia. Image: SNS. He said: 'I'm returning to Aberdeen. 'I'm not burdened with thinking about the summer transfer window and continuing my career. 'I regularly watch Aberdeen when I have the opportunity. 'I hope they fulfil all their goals because they were at the top of the league at the beginning of the season. 'They are currently in a place that leads to Europe and I believe in the end they will manage to climb to third place. 'I will cheer with all my heart that they will win the Scottish Cup in the final with Celtic. 'I regularly hear from Ester Sokler and captain Graeme Shinnie.' Aberdeen's Slobodan Rubezic and Nicky Devlin celebrate at full-time after beating Dundee 2-1. Image: SNS Aberdeen signed Rubezic in summer 2023 for a fee of around £200,000 from Novi Pazar. He is contracted to the Dons until summer 2026. Why move on loan to Novi Pazar? The defender was a regular first team started in his first 18 months at the club. However Rubezic endured a difficult time in the final weeks before being sent on loan. Aberdeen's Slobodan Rubezic has a headed chance during a 2-1 win against Motherwell at Pittodrie. Image: SNS The Montenegro international was substituted off in the 40th minute of an error-strewn final appearance for the Dons – a 3-0 home defeat against St Mirren. Asked why he went on loan to his former club, Rubezic said: 'The transfer window had already passed. 'So for some personal reasons I decided to go on loan, and to do it at home. 'Novi Pazar is my second home. 'The people and the city are special, which is why I always like to return to Novi Pazar. 'I've been well received in Pazar as if I was born there. 'When I'm happy and playing well, I feel even better. 'When I heard that Vladimir Gaćinović was coming as coach, I was even more determined to return to Novi Pazar. 'He is someone who gave me a real chance and greatly influenced my development. 'In that way, he contributed to my arrival at Aberdeen. 'The team played brilliantly, and due to his great trust, I had the status I wanted.' Rubezic played all 90 minutes of Novi Pazar's 2-1 play-off win against Partizan on Sunday. Rubezic targets Euro qualification The defender is determined to help guide the Serbian club to European qualification before returning to the Dons. Talking to he said: 'I want to give my maximum contribution. 'I still hope that we can finish in a place that leads to Europe. 'The players deserve that.' Aberdeen will face Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday as Jimmy Thelin's side continue the fight to finish third in the Premiership. Memories of defeating Rangers The Dons are three points behind third-placed Hibs, with the Easter Road club also holding a superior goal advantage. Rubezic rates Aberdeen's 3-1 win at Ibrox in September 2023 as the highlight of his Pittodrie career… so far. He said: 'I was living my dream with the victory over Rangers at Ibrox. 'I remember watching the game between Rangers and Red Star in the Champions League qualifiers as a child. 'Even then I imagined myself playing and winning in that stadium.' Rubezic also insists another highlight of his Aberdeen career was a draw with Celtic at Parkhead earlier this season. Meeting legend Sir Alex Ferguson The Dons were 2-0 down at half-time but fought back to draw 2-2 to maintain the unbeaten start to the season. Defender Rubezic also met Aberdeen and Manchester United legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Aberdeen's Slobodan Rubezic celebrates before his goal is ruled out for offside following a VAR check against Ross County. Image: SNS He said: 'After the game with Celtic at Celtic Park I had the honour of meeting the great Sir Alex Ferguson. 'Before that match, we had a streak in which no one could beat us. 'That game also caught Ferguson's attention. 'Meeting such a legend of European and world football, I will remember something like that for the rest of my life.'
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Slobodan Rubezic makes Aberdeen FC transfer decision as lifts lid on awe-inspiring Sir Alex Ferguson meeting
The Serbian is currently back in his homeland on loan and revealed his future plans Slobodan Rubezic has confirmed he will be returning to Aberdeen this summer. The defender is currently back on loan at his former club, Novi Pazar, but will head back to Jimmy Thelin 's squad for pre-season. There have been claims in Serbia that Novi Pazar have a purchase option but that is not the case and the Montenegrin international will come back to the Dons. Rubezic, when asked about his future, confirmed: 'I'm returning to Aberdeen. I'm not burdened with thinking about the summer transfer window and continuing my career.' Rubezic confirmed he made the switch to Novi Pazar in the short-term for personal reasons in February. He explained: 'No, the transfer window has already passed, so for some personal reasons I decided to go on loan and to do it at home. 'There is nothing strange. Novi Pazar is my second home. I have never felt so good anywhere in my career as I do here. 'I've been welcomed in Pazar as if I was born there. When I'm happy and playing well, I feel better. That's why I separate Novi Pazar from all the other clubs. 'The people and the city are special, which is why I always like to come back to Novi Pazar.' The big defender has helped Novi Pazar into the play-offs and wants to lead them back into Europe before he packs his back for a return to the Granite City. Rubezic is hoping it will be a European double with Aberdeen joining them in European competition. He is backing Thelin's side to finish third in the Premiership and to go on and lift the Scottish Cup, with the final against Celtic. He claimed: 'I am regularly interested (in Aberdeen) and watch when I have the opportunity. 'I hope to fulfill all the goals, I know that they were the highest at the beginning of the season. "They are currently in a place that leads to Europe, I believe that in the end they will manage to climb to third place. 'I will support them with all my heart and hope they will win the cup in the final with Celtic. 'I regularly hear from Slovenian Ester Sokler and captain Graeme Shinnie.' Aberdeen head to Rangers this Sunday looking for a big win. Rubezic was part of Barry Robson's side who went there and won 3-1 last season. The centre half reckons that has been his Aberdeen highlight so far. The 25-year-old insisted: 'That was the victory over Rangers at Ibrox Park. What an atmosphere it was. I was living my dream. 'I remember watching the match between Rangers and Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League qualifiers as a child. Even then, I imagined myself playing and winning at that stadium.' Another big result on the other side of Glasgow this season, allowed Rubezic the chance to meet Sir Alex Ferguson, after the 2-2 draw at Celtic back in October. Rubezic, speaking to recalled: 'I was most proud of my performance and that of the team at the aforementioned match against Celtic. 'After the game with Celtic at Celtic Park (2-2), I had the honour of meeting the great (Sir Alex) Ferguson. 'Before that match, we had a streak in which no one could beat us. That game also caught Ferguson's attention. 'When I happen to meet such a legend of European and world football, I will remember something like that for the rest of my life.'
BBC News
21-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Novi Pazar unlikely to be able to afford Rubezic'
Reports in Serbia claim Novi Pazar have the option to sign Aberdeen centre-half Slobodan Rubezic, who is on loan at his former club, on a permanent deal this summer, but they are unlikely to be able to afford the required fee for the 25-year-old. (Press & Journal), externalAberdeen winger Shayden Morris, who is contracted until summer 2026, is ready to talk about extending his stay at Pittodrie. (Press & Journal), externalRead Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.
BBC News
15-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Rubezic not drawn on Aberdeen exit
Slobodan Rubezic admits "many people find my decision strange" to re-join Novi Pazar on loan, but the 24-year-old centre-half says he does not want to talk publicly about the personal issues that led to his surprise departure from Aberdeen. (National)Novi Pazar do not have the option to buy Rubezic, who has been dealing with matters outside of football, at the end of the defender's loan from Aberdeen this summer. (Record), external Read Saturday's Scottish gossip
