Serbia: Demonstrations to continue in Belgrade and Kruševac June 1 /update 17

Event

The "#1od5miliona" anti-government protest movement is planning another demonstration in Belgrade and Kruševac on Saturday, June 1. Supporters in Belgrade are slated to gather at the Terazijske fountain at 18:00 (local time) before marching to the RTS state media building. In Kruševac, protesters will march from the Square of Kosovo Heroes from 17:00 to the Trade Union Hall. 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.

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.