BELGRADE/PARIS (SERBIA/FRANCE) – The Serbian capital of Belgrade witnessed violent protests on Friday. Thousands took to the streets protesting against President Aleksandar Vucic and government policies, including its handling of the pandemic crisis.
Police in riot gear as well as mounted units were deployed around the parliament building to prevent the protesters from storming in. Agitators pelted stones and flares at the policemen, chanting “We will not give up Kosovo” and “Vucic thief.”
The president said earlier in the day that the combined efforts of Germany and France to restart talks to regularise ties between Belgrade and Pristina were paying dividends.
“If he gives up Kosovo, Vucic is digging a grave for Serbia,” said Milan, 22, a protester.
In Paris, Vucic blamed his opponents for orchestrating violence, adding that if it continues, it would be difficult to contain the spread of the virus.
“The problem is that they (the protests) became violent, because they (opponents) … they don’t have anything to offer to the people.”
What began as protests against the stifling measures to contain the pandemic snowballed into rallies against the government, seeking Vucic’s resignation.
Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said on Friday that hospitals were full and protesters on the streets posed a grave health threat.
But critics blame the government bid to allow religious festivities, soccer mathces and private gatherings in May and the parliament elections for triggering the surge in infections.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field