Serbia: Activists likely to stage protests in cities nationwide through mid-September /update 2

Event

Activists affiliated with the Serbia Against Violence movement will likely continue their ongoing campaign of protests in cities nationwide through at least mid-September. The largest gatherings tend to occur in Belgrade, where participants will gather outside the Government of Serbia building from 19:00 Sept. 8 before marching to the TV Pink building. Protests have also been announced in several other cities Sept. 7-9; some other gatherings likely to attract large attendance are:

• Uzice: City Hall, 19:00, Sept. 7

• Nis: March from City Hall to Nis City Assembly (Skupstina Grada Nisa), 19:00, Sept. 8

• Kragujevac: March from First Kragujevac High School (Prva Kragujevacka Gimnazija) to Kod Stafete park, 19:00 Sept. 8

Protesters will condemn violence and alleged political corruption; protest organizers also demand the dismissal of several officials.

Smaller related gatherings are likely in other urban centers. Authorities frequently deploy an increased police presence near rally locations and along march routes. Localized transport disruptions, including road closures, are likely in areas impacted by protest activity. Although significant violence typically does not occur, 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 protest areas 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.