**Students Refused Service at Roadside Restaurant in Serbia**
In a shocking incident, a roadside restaurant owner in western Serbia refused service to a group of student protesters who were marching through the town of Usce. The students, who were on their way to a protest, had stopped outside the restaurant to take a break and offer to pay for food, drinks, and even use of the restroom. However, the owner refused them service, citing no reason.
**Students Forced to Take Break on Side of Road**
The restaurant owner not only refused the students’ request but also called the police to have them moved on. The students were forced to take their break on the side of the road, away from the restaurant. This incident has sparked outrage among locals and student leaders, who see it as an attempt to suppress their right to protest.
**Student Marchers Face Long Journey**
The students are marching a total of 48 kilometers today, with no bigger villages or towns in sight where they can expect food and drink offers from local people. The restaurant incident has made their journey even more difficult, leaving them with little option but to take breaks on the side of the road.
**Commentary: A Threat to Freedom of Speech**
This incident highlights a worrying trend in Serbia, where freedom of speech and assembly are being threatened by those who wish to suppress dissenting voices. The restaurant owner’s actions were not only discriminatory but also a clear attempt to stifle the students’ right to protest. This is a concern that goes beyond this single incident, as it reflects a broader pattern of intolerance towards peaceful demonstrations.
**Analysis: A Test for Democracy**
The way Serbia handles incidents like these will be a test for its democracy. Will the government and authorities take action against those who seek to suppress freedom of speech, or will they turn a blind eye? The student protesters are not just fighting for their own rights but also for the values that underpin a healthy democracy.