A disturbing story of violence that surprised the country, showing serious social issues and ongoing problems.
- 20-year prison term for 21-year-old shooter
- Serbia experiences two consecutive mass shootings
- Unusual legal action prompts nationwide contemplation
On the calm spring evening of May 4, 2023, Serbia faced a crisis that would change its social landscape forever.
Uros Blazic, a 21-year-old known for his aggressive behavior, turned calm villages near Belgrade into places of enormous fear.
Blazic used an automatic rifle to shoot at young people in Dubona and Malo Orasje, resulting in nine deaths and twelve injuries.
A day after a shocking event, a teenager killed nine students and a guard in Serbia’s first-ever school shooting. The court acted quickly.
Blazic got the longest sentence allowed for someone his age—20 years in prison. During his trial, he made a striking confession: “I did terrible things and I deserve the harshest punishment.”
His father, Radisa Blazic, was also convicted of illegal gun possession and received a 20-year sentence.
The trials revealed significant problems with weapon access and young people’s mental health in Serbia. The shootings led to reflection across the country.
Protests broke out, calling for tougher gun laws and better mental health support. Families of victims, dressed in shirts with images of their loved ones, observed a legal process that represented both accountability and the possibility of change in society.
Serbian media disclosed Blazic’s past police record, pointing out chances for intervention that were overlooked.
His claim of feeling “victimized” without clear reasons made it harder to understand the motivations for such extreme violence.
The recent mass shootings changed how Serbia sees itself—a country used to historical conflicts but not to random acts of violence.
These events led to important talks about support systems, warning signs, and the mental health of young people.
The courtroom was filled with the cries of grieving families, and the verdict meant more than just punishing one person.
It marked an important time for Serbian society to face difficult realities about violence, mental health, and ways to prevent issues.
The story goes beyond the courtroom, questioning societal standards and calling for thorough methods to stop future tragedies.
Every life lost is a shared hurt for the community, calling for changes and greater awareness.
