Serbia: Activists to demonstrate in Belgrade Jan. 16

Event

The Internet Workers Association plans to lead demonstrations outside the National Assembly building in Belgrade from 1500 Jan. 16. The purpose of the action is to denounce recent moves by the Serbian Tax Administration to collect up to five years worth of taxes from freelance internet workers; attendance will likely be in the thousands.

Additional police will almost certainly deploy to monitor the action. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions. Current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures in Serbia restrict public gatherings; security services may attempt to disperse the demonstration if participants are deemed to be breaching these restrictions. Isolated clashes between police and activists cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check local traffic conditions and public transport schedules for disruptions before traveling in central Belgrade Jan. 16.