Marija Vasić, one of six Serbian activists detained since March, has been hospitalized at a Belgrade prison facility following the onset of a hunger strike two days ago.

Reports indicate that Vasić's health has significantly deteriorated; she is now unable to walk and has difficulty speaking.

The situation has drawn public attention, leading to protests at the Novi Sad court, where demonstrators expressed their intent to continue resisting until the activists are released.

Vasić's attorney, Veljko Milić, described the transfer to the hospital as scandalous, pointing out the discrepancies in treatment between Vasić, who is accused of allegedly attempting to overturn Serbia's constitutional order, and Goran Vesić, a former minister implicated in a separate case who was moved to a specialized cardiac clinic.

Milić characterized the differing treatment as a clear example of discrimination.

In a recent statement, Aleksandar Petrović, the attorney representing the six detained activists and students, asserted that they are victims of pure political persecution, claiming they are the only political prisoners currently in Europe.

The group was placed in pretrial detention in mid-March.

As of now, none have faced formal charges or received a trial.

Conditions of their detention have been criticized, with reports from a previous piece discussing issues such as bedbug infestations and their housing alongside convicted murderers.

The activists' detention followed the broadcast of a recording in March by several television channels affiliated with President Aleksandar Vučić's regime, which featured discussions among opposition members and activists about the organization of large student protests.

They were subsequently labeled as terrorists and arrested on suspicion of preparing actions against Serbia's constitutional order and security.

Initially detained for thirty days starting March 16, their pretrial detention was extended another thirty days on April 11. However, even after the expiration of this latest period, the activists remain in custody without release.

Protests erupted in Serbia following a catastrophic incident on November 1 when the awning of the Novi Sad railway station collapsed.

The station, built in 1964 and subject to multiple renovations between 2021 and 2022, was announced as usable in July 2024. By the end of December, the Novi Sad Prosecutor's Office had indicted thirteen individuals, including Goran Vesić and Jelena Tanasković, former director of Serbian Railway Infrastructure, concerning the collapse.

The tragedy has intensified public dissatisfaction, catalyzing ongoing anti-corruption protests that have mobilized large crowds nationwide.