Serbia: Anti-government demonstration planned in Belgrade May 4 /update 14

Event

Demonstrators affiliated with the "#1od5miliona" anti-government protest movement are slated to march in Belgrade on Saturday, May 4. Protesters are set to gather at the Terazijske fountain at 18:00 (local time). While previous demonstrations have generally been held without major incident, heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated in the vicinity of the march. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.

Context

The protest movement, under 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. The Alliance for Serbia opposition coalition has announced a May 4 deadline for talks with the government. 

Advice

Individuals in Belgrade are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized traffic disruptions and a heightened security presence near demonstration sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.