09 Aug 2024 | 10:09 PM UTC
Serbia: Environmentalists to continue mining project protests in cities nationwide through at least Aug. 10 /update 2
Tightened security likely at environmental protests across Serbia through at least Aug. 10 after president accuses protesters of coup plot.
Authorities will likely deploy a significantly heightened security presence near environmental protests in Serbia after President Aleksandar Vucic insinuated on Aug. 9 that participating activists are plotting to stage a coup d'etat. Environmental groups and political parties, including the People's Movement of Serbia, have protested in cities across the country since early August and plan to stage related demonstrations through at least Aug. 10. The purpose of the actions is to denounce a proposed lithium mining project in the Jadar Valley near Loznica. Protest organizers have notably announced that demonstrators would rally in Belgrade at Terazije from 19:00 Aug. 10; security is likely to be particularly tight in the vicinity of this protest.
Related gatherings could also take place in cities and towns elsewhere in the country. Similar protests have recently occurred in Cacak, Kraljevo, Loznica, Novi Sad, Pancevo, Preljina, Sabac, and Smederovo, among other locations.
Protesters in some locations have blocked national highways for several hours. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely in areas subject to protest activity. The gatherings had largely remained peaceful as of Aug. 9; however, confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement officers or ideologically opposed individuals cannot be ruled out.
Avoid all protests as a standard precaution and to mitigate your exposure to any related disruptions. Allow extra time for travel near demonstration sites, particularly Terazije in Belgrade on Aug. 10. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance.
On Aug. 9, Vucic claimed that the environmental demonstrations are part of a campaign of planned unrest aimed at overthrowing the Serbian government. Vucic cited Russian security services as the source of this information; however, he did not provide any additional details regarding the information received or the nature of the alleged plot. Regardless of the veracity of this claim, Serbian authorities will almost certainly increase security deployments at the remaining protests. Additionally, these allegations will likely increase political tensions and the likelihood of violent confrontations at related demonstrations.
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.
