25 Jul 2023 | 01:58 PM UTC
Serbia: Activists to rally at National Assembly in Belgrade starting at 16:00 July 25
Activists to rally in Belgrade, Serbia, on July 25; heightened security, localized transport disruptions likely.
Event
Activists affiliated with the Students Against Violence (Studenti Protiv Nasilja) movement plan to rally in front of the National Assembly building in Belgrade starting at 16:00 July 25. The purpose of the action is to condemn violence and political corruption.
Authorities will likely deploy an increased police presence near the rally location. Localized transport disruptions are possible. Although the event will probably remain largely peaceful, isolated confrontations with police cannot be ruled out.
Context
Students Against Violence is an offshoot of the Serbia Against Violence movement. 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 area of the announced gathering as a standard security precaution. Allow extra time to reach destinations near the National Assembly building until the demonstration has ended and the participants have vacated the area. Heed the instructions of local security personnel.
