Protests of Gov’t Followers, Student Protests in Multiple Serbian Cities on Sept. 13

BETAPHOTO/Saša Đorđević

Late on Sept. 13, multiple towns and other localities in Serbia were the scene of student protests including citizens who support them and rallies of the Serbian Progressive Party’s followers who oppose the protests and blockades in the country, while simultaneous demonstrations by both sides were held in some cities.

Assistant director of police Vladan Radosavljevic said over 144,000 people attended the anti-blockade assemblies in 125 areas. The Serbian Interior Ministry said in a press release that police kept the demonstrators apart from people who participated in 27 unscheduled gatherings.

Radosavljevic also said that some 5,000 people attended the unscheduled assemblies, the Interior Ministry press release went on to say. Present at an anti-blockade assembly in Belgrade's Vozdovac municipality were Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Prime Minister Djuro Macut, Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic and several Progressive officials. These anti-blockade marches were held under the slogan For a Decent Serbia, for Peace and Work.

Students who have occupied their university schools in certain cities, like Nis and Cacak, cancelled their attendance at rallies due to reported threats against the protesters, and some suggested that others also not attend them. The Social Front association of worker collectives, unions and professional organizations, in association with Belgrade citizen assemblies, organized a protest at the capital's downtown Slavija square, under the slogan "Public values are a value, not a commodity."