10 Aug 2024 | 09:14 PM UTC
Serbia: Ground and rail transport disruptions ongoing in Belgrade amid environmental protests as of late Aug. 10
Environmental protesters Prokop and New Belgrade Rail Stations in Belgrade, Serbia, late Aug. 10. Ground, rail transport disruptions likely.
As of August 10, environmental protesters have blocked Prokop and New Belgrade Rail Stations. The protesters initially gathered for a rally at Terazije Square before splitting into two groups: one went to Prokop Rail Station, and the other blocked tracks at New Belgrade Station. They are protesting a proposed lithium mining project in the Jadar Valley near Loznica. Authorities report that the demonstrations have already prevented at least two passenger trains from reaching their destinations. Organizers plan to continue blocking the tracks throughout the night.
Increased security, localized transport, and rail disruptions will certainly occur over the coming hours. Confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement officers may occur, especially if demonstrators ignore authorities' orders to disperse.
Avoid all protests as a standard precaution and mitigate your exposure to related disruptions. Allow extra time for travel near demonstration sites, particularly Prokop and New Belgrade Rail Stations, through at least the morning of Aug. 11. 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.
