The award-winning writer described the physical attack in the middle of Belgrade: When the violence started, when they started beating me...

Award-winning Serbian writer Vladimir Arsenijević described being physically attacked in the center of Belgrade, recounting how he was struck while standing near the Bridge of the Brave in the city’s historic district. The incident occurred on July 11, just before the planned commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. Arsenijević was targeted on a platform beneath the bridge, which connects the old town with the central part of New Belgrade. He spoke about the moment the violence began, describing the fear and confusion that followed as attackers approached him. Arsenijević recounted the attack in detail, explaining how he felt a mix of emotions during the assault. “When the violence started and they began hitting me, I really thought they could be my father, but instead they were grandfather,” he said. He added that there was a cold hatred in their eyes, a sense of superiority, and a feeling that they were teaching him a lesson. He described the attackers as being so agitated that they could not restrain themselves, despite one of them attempting to calm the others. The writer emphasized the emotional toll of the experience, expressing deep sorrow over the incident. “I don’t want to sound too dramatic, but I feel an overwhelming sadness and regret that such things can happen,” he said. He described the frustration of dealing with the kind of hostility he faced, noting that it left him unable to enjoy simple pleasures, such as going out with a partner. Arsenijević mentioned that one of his attackers reportedly told him, “What is this, you little prick, do you want us to take you naked and make you run down Karadjordjeva Street while we record it?” He compared the remark to a line from the film Three Weeks Later, directed by Miša Terzić, which had recently premiered in Pula. He questioned whether the attackers had come prepared with a specific plan or if they simply encountered him by chance. “Some orders don’t even need to be given,” he said, suggesting that the individuals involved likely acted on their own initiative. Arsenijević elaborated on the ideological motivations behind the attack, stating that the perpetrators deeply believed in the messages they propagated. He noted that these individuals were willing to use any means necessary, including violent confrontation, against those who opposed their views. He also pointed out that the same faces appeared regularly in surveillance footage capturing vandalism at the premises of the Krokodil cultural group, where he is active. The graffiti found at the site ranged from glorifying Bosnian Serb military leader and convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić to honoring the Army of the Republic of Srpska. One piece of graffiti even depicted the entire country of Serbia with the message, “When the army returns to Kosovo.” Arsenijević reflected on the broader implications of the attack, noting that the individuals responsible often operate under the influence of larger structures. He suggested that there might be a deep understanding between these groups and those who manipulate them, pointing to a figure at the top of the hierarchy. He also referenced the narrative often used by regime supporters, involving symbols like sandwiches and notebooks, which represent low-paying jobs and actions taken in support of the regime. Arsenijević expressed concern over the lack of legal consequences for such acts, emphasizing that anyone can now openly attack someone on the street without facing repercussions. He concluded by highlighting the ongoing tension and the challenges faced by those who choose to speak out against prevailing ideologies.