Mike FletcherSerbia’s EXIT festival may be forced to leave the country due to its stance in the current student-led protests.
According to a statement from the organiser, this year’s event may be the last due to ‘mounting pressure and threats aimed at silencing our right to free expression’.
Mass demonstrations in the country have gathered momentum after 15 people were killed when a roof collapsed at a newly renovated train station in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-biggest city and the home of EXIT.
Many Serbians blame the collapse on corruption linked to President Aleksandar Vucic and the neo-liberal SNS party.
As a festival born from a student movement across Serbia, EXIT has publicly aligned itself with the protestors.
“To our deep regret, since standing in solidarity with students in their ongoing fight for a fairer, more just, and tolerant society, we have faced mounting pressure and threats aimed at silencing our right to free expression. As a result, we are now seriously considering leaving Serbia,” the statement read.
“However, we owe our hometown—and our devoted audience across the globe—one final dance on the Petrovaradin Fortress. That’s why our entire team is more determined than ever to make this year’s edition the most emotional and unforgettable one yet. If we are forced to leave, we will do so with our heads held high, carrying the same spirit of independence and solidarity wherever we go next.”
EXIT Festival was launched in 2000 as part of a student movement across Serbia, which played its part in bringing down Slobodan Miloљević, former president of Serbia and convicted war criminal.
After the Yugoslavian general election, the festival moved to the Petrovaradin Fortress in 2001 where it has remained.
The 25th-anniversary edition of EXIT will take place from 10–13 July. Artists booked to perform include Eric Prydz, Amelie Lens, Sex Pistols ft Frank Carter, Tiлsto, and Nina Kraviz.