Serbia: Nationwide anti-government protests planned June 8 /update 18

Event

The "#1od5miliona" anti-government protest movement is planning to hold rallies across Serbia on Saturday, June 8. Demonstrations are scheduled to be held in major urban areas, including Belgrade, on Saturday evening (local time) to mark the six-month anniversary of the launch of the movement. Belgrade’s rally is set to begin at 18:00 at the Terazijske fountain. Specific details regarding the time and meeting location of the other demonstrations can be found on the group’s website. 

While previous demonstrations have generally been held without major incident, heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated in the vicinity of the march. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.

Context

The protest movement, under 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 Vučić.

Advice

Individuals in Belgrade are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized traffic disruptions and a heightened security presence near demonstration sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.