Protests have taken place in Serbia, leading demonstrators to block parts of Belgrade`s streets, including the Gazela bridge connecting the western and eastern sides of the city, as well as roads in dozens of other Serbian towns. By morning, traffic in Belgrade was restored.
In Belgrade, police cleared barricades that protesters had erected overnight on the streets and bridges of the Serbian capital. Protest organizers had announced on social media plans for a complete road blockade until their demands were met: calling for early parliamentary elections, dismantling a tent camp set up by President Vučić`s supporters, and releasing previously detained participants.
Regarding the nature of the protests, journalist Victoria Martynova notes that while this is a nationwide wave and people are persistent, recent protests have seen significantly fewer participants than earlier ones. It appears that the demonstrations and blockades are no longer solely reliant on the student movement, with ordinary citizens spontaneously joining in street blockades.
When asked about the intensity of clashes with police, she commented that while objects like flares, sticks, and bottles were thrown, the situation is relatively peaceful compared to many other countries.
Traffic in Belgrade was restored by morning, with barricades removed and streets becoming passable again. The rallies in Serbia had flared up again on Saturday. Following clashes in Belgrade, President Vučić addressed the nation, calling for peace, describing the protest as a «fiasco,» and condemning the protesters.
During the unrest in Belgrade on Sunday night, 50 police officers were reported injured, and about 80 people were arrested. Estimates of the total number of participants varied, with authorities stating 36,000 and other sources reporting around 140,000.
