Zoran Đinđić, having taken office in January 2001, was a key political figure in post-Milošević Serbia, promoting reforms aimed at democratizing the nation and integrating it into Euro-Atlantic structures. On March 12, 2003, he was shot by a sniper while stepping out of his car in front of the government building in Belgrade. The assassin was linked to the criminal underworld and extremist elements that were opposed to Đinđić's reformist agenda and his efforts to curb organized crime. The assassination caused widespread shock not just in Serbia but throughout the region, raising concerns about the safety of political leaders and the challenges of governance in a nation still grappling with the legacies of the 1990s Balkan conflicts.

Following the assassination, Serbia witnessed a wave of protests, political turmoil, and a national mourning period. The police launched extensive investigations, leading to the apprehension of several individuals connected to the assassination plot, revealing deeper ties to criminal organizations in the country. The event highlighted the fragility of Serbia's political landscape and underscored the ongoing struggle between reformists and reactionary elements within society. Đinđić was posthumously honored for his contributions to democratic movements in Serbia.