31 Jul 2024 | 08:35 PM UTC
Serbia: Environmentalists to continue mining project protests in cities nationwide through at least Aug. 10 /update 1
Environmentalists to protests in cities across Serbia through at least Aug. 10. Increased security likely.
Environmental groups and political parties, including the People's Movement of Serbia, plan to protest in several cities across Serbia through at least Aug. 10. The purpose of the action is to denounce a proposed lithium mining project in the Jadar Valley near Loznica. Organizers have announced specific rallies at the following locations and times:
Belgrade: Protest at Terazije from 19:00 Aug. 10.
Cacak: Protest at City Square (Gradski Trg) from 19:00 Aug. 9.
Kragujevac: Protest in front of shopping center on Ulica Dr. Zorana Djindjica from 19:00 Aug. 7.
Novi Sad: Protest at Freedom Square (Trg Slobode) from 19:00 Aug. 2.
Novi Sad: Protest at Freedom Square (Trg Slobode) from 19:00 Aug. 7.
Pancevo: Protest at Cultural Center (Kulturni Centar) from 19:00 Aug. 2.
Smederovo: Protest at Republic Square (Trg Republike) from 19:00 Aug. 5.
Related gatherings could also take place in cities and towns elsewhere in the country; similar protests have recently occurred in Kraljevo, Loznica, Preljina, and Sabac, among other locations.
An increased police presence is likely near any protests. Protesters in some locations have blocked national highways for several hours. Localized disruptions are likely. Most of the gatherings will probably remain largely peaceful; however, police could move to disperse protests deemed to be unlawfully obstructing traffic. Demonstrations will likely increase in frequency and intensity closer to Aug. 10, the day that activists have set as a deadline for lawmakers to cancel the project at issue.
Avoid all protests as a standard precaution and to mitigate related disruptions. Allow extra time for travel near demonstration sites. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance.
Protests denouncing the Jadar Valley project resumed in Serbia following the government's July 19 decision to reinstate a spatial plan for a lithium mine and processing plant. The government moved to reinstate the plan after the Constitutional Court ruled that the decision to abandon the plan amid public protests was improper. Activists claim that the mine and other construction projects will cause unacceptable pollution, damage the health of the local population, and damage historical and cultural sites. If the mining project proceeds, further protests will likely occur. Activists could attempt to disrupt construction activity and hold demonstrations targeting sites and facilities associated with the project or Rio Tinto.
