Serbia: Activists to protest in cities across country on July 14 and 15

Event

Activists affiliated with the Serbia Against Violence movement plan to stage protest marches in several cities across Serbia on July 14 and 15. The purpose of the actions is to condemn violence and political corruption; protest organizers are also demanding the dismissal of several officials. The largest of the gatherings will likely be the demonstration slated to take place in Belgrade. Participants will gather near the National Assembly Building at 19:00 July 15 before marching to the Palace of Justice (Palata Pravde). The march will follow Kneza Milosa Street southwest until reaching the Government of Serbia (Vlada Republike Srbije) building, continue northwest along Nemanjina Street to the Monument to Stefan Nemanja, and follow Savska Street southwest before finally reaching its endpoint.

Protest organizers have also announced that demonstrations will take place in more than 30 cities over the coming days, including the following:

• Novi Sad: March from Catholic Gate (Katolicka Porta) to the police department (policijska uprava) building at the corner of Liberation Boulevard (Bulevar Oslobodjenja) via Freedom Square (Trg Slobode), Theater Square (Pozorisni Trg), and Pavla Papa Street starting at 19:00 July 14;

• Nis: March from the Mayor's Office (Kabinet Gradonacelnika) building along Dr. Zoran Djindjic Boulevard starting at 19:00 July 14.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy an increased police presence near rally locations and along march routes. Localized transport disruptions are likely in areas impacted by protest activity. Although significant violence is unlikely, isolated clashes cannot be ruled out.

Context

The Serbia Against Violence movement began in the wake of mass shootings that occurred on May 3 and 4. Initially expressing outrage at the government's perceived failure to prevent such incidents, activists associated with the movement have expanded their list of grievances to include state corruption, perceived impunity of organized crime, and alleged media promotion of violence.

Advice

Avoid the areas of the announced protests as a standard security precaution. Allow extra time to reach destinations near rally locations and along march routes until the demonstrations have ended and the participants have vacated the area. Heed the instructions of local security personnel.