12 Days. 1,400 Kilometers. 80 Serbian Students Take a Stand for Freedom, Democracy, and the Rule of Law
From April 3 to 15, 2025, around 80 Serbian students are cycling from Novi Sad to Strasbourg. Last night, on April 12, at 9 PM, they arrived in Ulm. Their journey, which began 10 days ago in Belgrade, is more than just a bike ride — it is a symbolic act of protest and remembrance. Upon reaching Strasbourg, home of the European Parliament, the students aim to draw attention to the importance of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, as well as to honor the memory of the 16 victims who tragically lost their lives on November 1, 2024, when the canopy of Novi Sad’s train station collapsed.
The group is determined to speak out against corruption and injustice in Serbia, and to advocate for democratic values.
On their website, they write:
“We, the students of Serbia, did not embark on this journey on a whim. We did it because we feel we have no other choice. This is not just a bike ride – it is a path of hope, a form of resistance, and a voice for those who have been silenced. …We are not asking for much – only the right to live without fear, censorship, or violence.”
https://de.turadostrazbura.rs/
Their journey can be followed live on their website via GPS tracking. The group arrived in Ulm with a three-hour delay but was warmly welcomed at Münsterplatz by a large crowd of Serbians of all ages living in the region of Ulm/Neu-Ulm. The young cyclists — both men and women — were officially greeted by local authorities: by Martin Bendel, First Mayor of the City of Ulm; Ralph Seiffert, Social Affairs Mayor of Neu-Ulm; and Sebastian Rihm, Director of the Danube Office. All three expressed sincere thanks for the students’ dedication and courage in standing up for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
Reported by Carmen Stadelhofer