The Plato

The 75th day of the Student Protest '96/97 had began. The students gathered at the traditional meeting place - the Plato. As usual the mobile loud speaker was there to broadcast the voices of the guest speakers and the hosts of the protest program. The guest of honor for today were Dusan Kovacevic, famous writer. A message of support from Vaclav Havel, the President of the Checz Republic was read by the manager of the Yugoslav Drama Theater, Jovan Cirilov. The students were presented a 18 karat gold whistle, a gift from the students of Kuwait. The present was operational, as it was proven to the crowd. Nikola Culafic, who was arrested two nights ago thanked the students for their support. The route, which was kept a secret as usual, was announced to the students at the beginning of the walk.

The "Walk"

The route for today's walk was planned in order to incorporate as many regime institutions as possible. The students walked down Vasina, and Kolarceva and down Balkanska from Terazije. The procession then went past the train station and into Slobodana Penezica street. There the students passed by the Palace of Justice, where the First County Court is situated. While returning to the Plato via Kneza Milosa and Srpskih Vladara, the student procession stretched as long as the eye could see. I estimate that there were around 40,000 students present, which hasn't happened in a long time. This proves that the students have not given up in their protest and that they will not give up until their demands have been met, not only promises made.