27 Oct 2023 | 08:12 PM UTC
Serbia: Activists likely to stage weekly protests in Belgrade through at least early November /update 9
Activists likely to protest weekly in Belgrade, Serbia, through at least early November. Increased security, transport disruptions likely.
Activists affiliated with the Serbia Against Violence movement will likely continue their ongoing campaign of protests through at least early November. After several months of nationwide protests, activists have consolidated their gatherings to focus mostly on Belgrade, where the demonstrations typically occur on Saturday evenings. Organizers have announced that the next protest will start at 18:00 Oct. 28, when participants will march from the National Assembly of Serbia on Nikola Pasic Square to the Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) building on Takovska Street. Organizers have not announced any protests in other locations the weekend of Oct. 27-29; however, smaller protests headed by local organizers are possible nationwide.
Authorities will probably deploy an increased police presence near rally locations and march routes. Localized transport disruptions, including road closures, are likely in areas impacted by protest activity. Although significant violence typically does not occur at such rallies, isolated clashes cannot be ruled out.
Avoid the protests as a standard security precaution. Allow extra time to reach destinations near rally locations and along march routes. Heed instructions from authorities.
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 since expanded their list of grievances to include state corruption, perceived impunity of organized crime, and alleged media promotion of violence.
