Protesters in Serbia have announced on social networks that they have begun a complete blockade of roads, streets and intersections “until the demands are met“, including the immediate release of previously detained protesters and the holding of early parliamentary elections.
“Following the failure to comply with the ultimatum and the mass arrests of citizens and students yesterday and today, civic assemblies across Serbia have decided to block intersections, roads and streets in their municipalities. Until the demands are met!“ - the organizers announced on social networks.
Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Ivica Dacic said that the police will closely monitor the situation in Belgrade, where participants in new protests against the arrests of students suspected of inciting violence gathered on Sunday evening. He called on citizens not to create situations that could lead to clashes with the police.
Serbian President's Advisor on Regional Affairs and Chairman of the Serbian Progressive Party Miloš Vučević earlier on Sunday called on the country's competent authorities to "immediately respond" to the ongoing street protests and road blockades in Belgrade and other cities.
Mass protests in Serbia continue for a second day and are becoming increasingly large-scale and decentralized. Protesters are blocking key transport hubs in Belgrade and other cities, erecting barricades and tents, demanding the release of detainees, holding elections, and dismantling the tent camp of supporters of President Aleksandar Vucic near the parliament building.
On a platform dedicated to the protests and on social media, students reported 24 locations in Belgrade where roads were blocked, as well as protests in 18 cities across the country.
During clashes with protesters on June 28, law enforcement officers used special means to push them off a number of central streets. As a result of the riots in Belgrade, 48 police officers were injured, 77 people were detained, including 1 minor.
On Sunday, commenting on Saturday's riots, Vucic declared the state's victory over the protesters. According to him, “Serbia won because Serbia cannot be defeated by violence“. The head of state stressed that he did not intend to pardon any of the detainees. According to him, the participants in the riots had issued “a direct call for civil clashes and attacks on the police“.