Belgrade braces for massive protest amid violence warnings
Belgrade is preparing for a massive anti-government protest that will take place on Saturday. Students from across the country arrived in the capital on Friday, and authorities are warning of possible acts of violence and arrests.
The Serbian capital, Belgrade, is on alert ahead of Saturday's planned massive anti-government protest.
Authorities, led by President Aleksandar Vučić, are warning of potential acts of violence and the arrest 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 citizens across Serbia have traveled to Belgrade for Saturday's protest. The event is seen as a test for Vučić's right-wing government, which is facing growing social discontent.
On Friday, police detained six opposition activists on charges related to preparing actions against the constitutional order.
Authorities found a car with German license plates in Belgrade, which contained Molotov cocktails and other dangerous items.
The European Union emphasized that "freedom of assembly is a fundamental right" and called for ensuring the safety of protest participants.
Preparations for the protest
Students who had been marching or biking to Belgrade for several days arrived in the city by Friday evening. With thousands of people on the streets, waving flags, blowing whistles, shouting, and playing music, the capital was literally pulsating. And this is just the beginning. Photos and videos have already circulated online.
Government actions against protesters
Meanwhile, authorities have closed the parliament building for three days due to security concerns.
The Serbian railway suspended all intercity connections due to a supposed bomb threat, which is seen as an attempt to prevent people from reaching Belgrade. There were also reports of canceled bus routes, prompting students to organize carpooling.
The protests began after the collapse of a railway station roof, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people. This event is attributed to government corruption and neglect. President Vučić rejected proposals to form a transitional government and accused the West of attempting to overthrow him.
