08 May 2023 | 11:47 AM UTC
Serbia: Opposition parties to protest in Belgrade and Novi Sad May 8 /update 1
Opposition parties to protest in Belgrade and Novi Sad, Serbia, from 18:00 May 8. Increased security, localized disruptions likely.
Event
A broad cross-section of Serbian opposition groups and parties, including the People's Party, the Democratic Party, and the Green-Left Club, will demonstrate in Belgrade and Novi Sad on May 8 to denounce two recent mass shootings in Serbia. Some opposition groups are also demanding the resignation of the government. In Belgrade, participants will gather in Republic Square around 18:00. A section of demonstrators may march to the nearby National Assembly building. In Novi Sad, activists will gather in Freedom Square for a rally from around 18:00.
Although it is unclear how well-attended the rallies will be, several thousand activists could participate in Belgrade, while the event in Novi Sad may feature a few hundred. Police will almost certainly deploy to monitor the gatherings. Associated security measures will likely prompt localized disruptions. Violence is unlikely.
Advice
Avoid the demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate the impact of associated disruptions. Allow extra time for travel in the affected areas. Heed instructions from authorities.
