19 Apr 2019 | 07:17 AM UTC
Serbia: Anti-government protest planned in Belgrade April 20 /update 11
Opposition coalition calls for protest in Belgrade on April 20; heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions expected around the demonstration site
Event
The Alliance for Serbia opposition coalition has called for an anti-government protest in Belgrade on Saturday, April 20. Protesters are set to gather at the Terazije fountain at 18:00 (local time). While previous protests have generally been held without major incident, heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated in the vicinity of the event. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.
Context
Thousands of people participated in related anti-government demonstrations in Belgrade on April 13.
The protest movement, noted by 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.
