Belgrade braces for protests as tension builds against President Aleksandar Vučić
Belgrade is preparing for a massive anti-government protest scheduled to take place on Saturday. Students from across the country arrived in the capital on Friday. Authorities are warning of potential acts of violence and possible arrests.
The Serbian capital, Belgrade, is on high alert ahead of the planned large-scale anti-government protest this Saturday.
Authorities, led by President Aleksandar Vučić, are cautioning about potential violence and arrests of participants. The demonstration is the culmination of months of protests against corruption in the country.
thousands of students have arrived in Belgrade
Thousands of students and other citizens from across Serbia have travelled to Belgrade to participate in Saturday's protest. The event is seen as a test for Vučić's right-wing government, which is facing increasing social discontent.
On Friday, police detained six opposition activists on charges of preparing actions against the constitutional order.
Authorities discovered a car with German license plates in Belgrade containing Molotov cocktails and other dangerous items.
The European Union emphasized that "freedom of assembly is a fundamental right" and urged the safety of protest participants to be ensured.
Preparations for the protest
Students who had been marching or biking to Belgrade for several days reached the city by Friday evening. Thousands of people took to the streets, waving flags and blowing whistles, and shouts and music created an electric atmosphere. The capital was literally pulsating with life, and this was just the beginning. Photos and videos have already surfaced online.
Government actions against protesters
Meanwhile, due to security concerns, authorities have closed the parliament building for three days.
The Serbian railway suspended all intercity connections due to a reported bomb threat, which is perceived as an attempt to prevent people from getting to Belgrade. There were also reports of cancelled bus routes, leading students to organize carpooling.
The protests began after the collapse of a railway station roof, resulting in the deaths of 15 people. This incident is attributed to government corruption and neglect. President Vučić rejected proposals for a transitional government and accused Western powers of attempting to oust him.
