03 Feb 2019 | 09:41 PM UTC
Serbia: Thousands stage anti-government protests across country Feb. 2 /update 3
Thousands of people participate in anti-government protests in Belgrade and other Serbian cities February 2; similar demonstrations expected over the coming weeks
Event
Thousands of people participated in anti-government protests in over 30 Serbian cities and towns, including Belgrade, on Saturday, February 2, demanding that President Aleksandar Vučić step down from office. The demonstrations marked the ninth consecutive Saturday on which supporters of the political opposition organized protests after unidentified individuals assaulted Serbian Left party leader Borko Stefanović on November 23, 2018.
Similar protests are to be expected in Belgrade and elsewhere in Serbia over the coming weeks. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near demonstration sites.
Context
The protest movement, noted by the slogan "#1od5miliona" (#1of5million), began after political opposition leader Borko Stefanović was assaulted by a group of unidentified individuals in November 2018. The demonstrations, ongoing since December 8, have been organized to denounce perceived political abuses of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party and the lack of media freedom in the country, and to demand the resignation of President Aleksandar Vučić.
Advice
Individuals in Serbia are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
