Morning Sees Traffic Blocked in Belgrade, Multiple Other Cities

Traffic blockade (BETAPHOTO/MILAN TIMOTIC)

The morning of July 4 began with protesting university students and members of the general public blocking traffic across Belgrade and in multiple other Serbian cities. While such blockades have been a daily occurrence since June 29, this is the first time that a significant number is taking place early in the day.

The protesters are demanding snap parliamentary elections, the release of all students arrested during the June 28 anti-regime rally in Belgrade, and the removal of the pro-regime camp occupying Pioneers Park and the adjacent plateau and section of road in front of the National Assembly of Serbia.

Located in the heart of the capital, the camp allegedly houses students opposing the blockades and is consistently under private and police guard, although it has lately lacked occupants more often than not.

Interior Minister Ivica Dacic has announced that the police have allowed gatherings at certain locales in Belgrade which are not vital to the flow of traffic, i.e. that it is not intervening at said locations. Where interventions are being made, he added, they are being performed “without unnecessary force.”

“From early morning, police has been on the alert in that we have set priorities – all vital points in the city must operate normally. We’ve allowed gatherings at certain locales which are not essential to the flow of traffic. What is important is that all bridges in the city are open,” Dacic said.

In the evening of July 3, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic asked the public for peace and urged them not to topple Serbia, stressing that those who wish this cannot win.