Serbia: Anti-government protests expected in Belgrade February 9 /update 4

Event

Regular anti-government protests are expected to continue in Belgrade and other major urban areas throughout Serbia on Saturday, February 9. As of Thursday, February 7, specific details regarding potential demonstrations have not been released; however, previous protests in Belgrade have started around 18:00 (local time). Typical demonstration sites include the National Assembly, the Serbian radio and television (RTS) headquarters, and government buildings. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near protest locations.

Context

Thousands of people participated in anti-government protests in over 30 Serbian cities and towns, including Belgrade, on Saturday, February 2, demanding that President Aleksandar Vučić step down from office. The demonstrations marked the ninth consecutive Saturday on which supporters of the political opposition organized protests after unidentified individuals assaulted Serbian Left party leader Borko Stefanović on November 23, 2018.

The protest movement, noted by the slogan "#1od5miliona" (#1of5million), began after political opposition leader Borko Stefanović was assaulted by a group of unidentified individuals in November 2018. The demonstrations, ongoing since December 8, have been organized to denounce perceived political abuses of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party and the lack of media freedom in the country, and to demand the resignation of President Vučić.

Advice

Individuals in Serbia are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.