Protests | Kosovo Now https://kosovonow.com News for the World Sun, 26 Sep 2021 09:19:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.2 https://kosovonow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/cropped-THE-DAILY-LOS-ANGELES-NEWS-e1607501608789-32x32.png Protests | Kosovo Now https://kosovonow.com 32 32 Protests against compulsory vaccination, 10 people are prosecuted in Tirana – Latest News https://kosovonow.com/protests-against-compulsory-vaccination-10-people-are-prosecuted-in-tirana-latest-news/ Sun, 26 Sep 2021 09:19:10 +0000 https://kosovonow.com/?p=14181 10 people were prosecuted at large by the Tirana police for the protest against compulsory vaccination organized the day before in ‘Mother Teresa’ square. The police said that the citizens were prosecuted for “organizing and participating in illegal gatherings and demonstrations”, “Public call for violent actions” and “Obstruction of the circulation of vehicles”: AG, 51 […]

The post Protests against compulsory vaccination, 10 people are prosecuted in Tirana – Latest News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Protests against compulsory vaccination, 10 people are prosecuted in Tirana

10 people were prosecuted at large by the Tirana police for the protest against compulsory vaccination organized the day before in ‘Mother Teresa’ square. The police said that the citizens were prosecuted for “organizing and participating in illegal gatherings and demonstrations”, “Public call for violent actions” and “Obstruction of the circulation of vehicles”:

AG, 51 years old, AB, 21 years old, KO, 43 years old, A. Dh., 34 years old, KG, 26 years old, ED, 27 years old, AP, 42 years old, IK, 42 years old, BB, 37 years old and KK, 42 years old.

“The aforementioned citizens in an illegal protest held in” Mother Teresa “square and then moved to the boulevard” Dëshmorët e Kombit “have made public calls for violent actions and have obstructed the movement of vehicles”, says the police . /euronews.al

The post Protests against compulsory vaccination, 10 people are prosecuted in Tirana – Latest News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Slovenia bans sale of fuel to unvaccinated – Ljubljana protests erupt – Latest News https://kosovonow.com/slovenia-bans-sale-of-fuel-to-unvaccinated-ljubljana-protests-erupt-latest-news/ Thu, 16 Sep 2021 01:53:58 +0000 https://kosovonow.com/?p=13580 Photo: N1 world September 15, 2021 – 23:52 Slovenian opponents of measures to fight the coronavirus tonight gathered in Republic Square in Ljubljana. They criticized the government, chanting calls for his resignation. Two hours later, they lit torches and started throwing them at the Slovenian Parliament, N1 Slovenia reported. Several police officers were injured in […]

The post Slovenia bans sale of fuel to unvaccinated – Ljubljana protests erupt – Latest News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Slovenia bans sale of fuel to unvaccinated - protests erupt in LjubljanaPhoto: N1

world
September 15, 2021 – 23:52

Slovenian opponents of measures to fight the coronavirus tonight gathered in Republic Square in Ljubljana. They criticized the government, chanting calls for his resignation. Two hours later, they lit torches and started throwing them at the Slovenian Parliament, N1 Slovenia reported.

Several police officers were injured in the riots and helicopters were seen flying over the city. The protests, in which the police estimated that more than 8,000 people participated, calmed down around 22:30, Zeri.info reports.

The protesters, who gathered today in Republic Square in Ljubljana, had two demands: change of measures to fight Covid-19 in recommendations and early elections.

Prior to the protest, organizers called for a peaceful rally, but the incident occurred as soon as an unknown person threw a bottle at one of the police officers guarding the rally. The crowd also approached the entrance to the Parliament building. The police therefore increased their presence before the National Assembly.

“When we play football, ‘Viola’ and ‘Green Dragons’ are on opposite sides, but when it comes to Slovenia, they are together,” said one protester, confirming that the two largest groups of fans in the country are attend the rally.

Turna also questioned all the scientific findings and indisputable facts about the coronavirus and vaccines.

As the crowd approached Parliament and threw torches, police responded with tear gas and dispersed them. Then they used water balls several times. Many protesters left, while torches and tear gas continued to fly. Protesters continued to throw stones at a parked police car.

Some police vehicles, shops, cars were broken into, containers burned.

Unvaccinated Slovenes were banned from buying fuel

The first day of application of stricter anti-epidemic measures in Slovenia was marked by dissatisfaction among drivers who could not refuel their vehicles without a confirmation of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Most fuel companies are strictly adhering to the SVT (sick, vaccinated, tested) status rules that the government approved on Saturday, meaning that the fuel pump is only activated when the driver certifies with documents that he has exceeded Covid-19, that he has been vaccinated or has a negative test not older than 48 hours.

We remind you that the government in Slovenia has introduced the obligation of COVID certificates for all people – at work, during shopping, on public transport and in a number of other daily activities. The government announced that the possibility of imposing even stricter measures is not ruled out.

Yesterday, after 6645 PCR tests, 1364 people tested positive. 76 people are being treated in intensive care, and six patients with Covid-19 have died.

According to the Slovenian National Institute of Public Health, there are currently 11,238 active cases of infection in the country.

Although interest in vaccination is growing, sufficient vaccination coverage has not yet been achieved. Currently, 50 percent of the population has been vaccinated with a single dose, and 45 percent or 947,759 people have been completely immunized. / Voice

The post Slovenia bans sale of fuel to unvaccinated – Ljubljana protests erupt – Latest News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Afghan women do not stop protests – Latest News https://kosovonow.com/afghan-women-do-not-stop-protests-latest-news/ Mon, 06 Sep 2021 18:30:03 +0000 https://kosovonow.com/?p=13031 world September 06, 2021 – 20:26 Afghan women have once again taken to the streets to demand equal rights under Taliban rule. The protests took place in the northern city, Mazar-e Sharif. According to photos shared on social media on September 6, a group of women gathered in downtown Mazar-e Sharif, holding banners reading slogans […]

The post Afghan women do not stop protests – Latest News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Afghan women do not stop protests

world
September 06, 2021 – 20:26

Afghan women have once again taken to the streets to demand equal rights under Taliban rule. The protests took place in the northern city, Mazar-e Sharif.

According to photos shared on social media on September 6, a group of women gathered in downtown Mazar-e Sharif, holding banners reading slogans such as “Violation of women’s rights – violation of human rights” and “We want participation at all political levels,”

Protest organizer Shakourieh Rahimi told Radio Free Europe that Taliban militants detained journalists trying to cover the protest and beat some of them. Witnesses said the Taliban insulted and threatened the protesters. The militant group has not commented on the information.

Afghan women seeking equality, justice and democracy have staged protests in recent days in the capital, Kabul, and the western city of Herat.

On September 4, Taliban militants used tear gas and fired firearms into the air as dozens of women staged a protest in central Kabul demanding equal rights.

At least one woman was injured.

Samira Khairkhawa, who took part in the recent protests in Kabul, told Radio Free Europe that Afghan women are currently experiencing insecurity.

“Several weeks have passed since women did not know whether they would continue working or not. They do not know whether they will enjoy fundamental and civil rights,” she said.

The Taliban took control of most of Afghanistan three weeks ago and have yet to announce their new government.

The Taliban have said that women’s rights will be respected under Islamic law – Sharia – but have not elaborated on what this means in practice.

The Taliban education authority said in a document released on September 5 that they would only be allowed to attend university if classes were segregated by gender.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001. They did not allow women to work, girls were not allowed to attend school, and women had to cover their faces and be accompanied by a male relative if they wanted to leave their homes.

Those who broke the rules were sometimes sentenced to public beatings by the Taliban religious police.

After taking control of Afghanistan after 20 years of foreign military presence, the Taliban are now under the watchful eye of Western leaders if they have changed, including the way they treat girls and women.

Many countries and organizations have expressed doubts about the Taliban’s promises that this time they will rule differently.

The post Afghan women do not stop protests – Latest News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Serbia introduces new anti-coronavirus restrictions amid protests — RT World News https://kosovonow.com/serbia-introduces-new-anti-coronavirus-restrictions-amid-protests-rt-world-news/ Thu, 03 Jun 2021 15:17:20 +0000 https://kosovonow.com/?p=7754 Serbia introduces new anti-coronavirus restrictions amid protests — RT World News

The Serbian government has decided against a new lockdown in Belgrade, but banned public gatherings of more than 10 people after two days of violent protests. The decision to refrain from a further lockdown, as it was in force in the Serbian capital in March and April, was made after a “very long meeting” of […]

The post Serbia introduces new anti-coronavirus restrictions amid protests — RT World News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Serbia introduces new anti-coronavirus restrictions amid protests — RT World News

The Serbian government has decided against a new lockdown in Belgrade, but banned public gatherings of more than 10 people after two days of violent protests.

The decision to refrain from a further lockdown, as it was in force in the Serbian capital in March and April, was made after a “very long meeting” of the government, said the country’s Prime Minister Ana Brnabic.

However, the return of some restrictions is unavoidable, she said, pointing out that the rules would not apply to all of Serbia, but only target areas where “the situation is unstable”.

One such area is Belgrade, where “a total ban on organized public gatherings for more than ten people outdoors and indoors” has been declared, the Prime Minister said.

Shops in the city will remain open but their working hours will be reduced, she added.

These measures are “temporary” and will be lifted as soon as conditions improve, Brnabic clarified.



Also on rt.com
The Serbian Defense Minister says protests are “PUT TRIAL” to spark civil war


Serbia has so far registered more than 17,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and over 340 deaths, including 11 in the last 24 hours.

News that the lockdown in Belgrade may be re-established due to a new surge in Covid-19 cases sparked two nights of violent protests across the city.

During the clashes on Wednesday, the rioters threw torches and stones at the police, who responded with tear gas. Ten officers were injured, said Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic, without giving any details about injuries or arrests among the demonstrators.



Also on rt.com
SECOND night of clashes in Serbia, when government and opposition blame each other for protests against the Covid-19 lockdown


In his earlier address to the nation, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said the protests were kidnapped by far-right radicals and had nothing to do with the lockdown. He also insisted that “political violence” be influenced from abroad.

Do you think your friends would be interested? Share this story!

The post Serbia introduces new anti-coronavirus restrictions amid protests — RT World News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Rama: The project in Badoc was completely legal, it was canceled due to the protests of environmentalists – Latest News https://kosovonow.com/rama-the-project-in-badoc-was-completely-legal-it-was-canceled-due-to-the-protests-of-environmentalists-latest-news/ Tue, 01 Jun 2021 19:56:11 +0000 https://kosovonow.com/?p=7660 Photo: MKRS LDK candidate for Mayor of Prishtina, Përparim Rama spoke about the project managed by his company for the construction of villas near Lake Badoc, which was canceled by Lumir Abdixhiku in 2020, in the capacity of Minister of Infrastructure . Rama in Rubikon of Klan Kosova said that the project was in line […]

The post Rama: The project in Badoc was completely legal, it was canceled due to the protests of environmentalists – Latest News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Rama: The project in Badoc was completely legal, it was canceled due to protests by environmentalists  Photo: MKRS

LDK candidate for Mayor of Prishtina, Përparim Rama spoke about the project managed by his company for the construction of villas near Lake Badoc, which was canceled by Lumir Abdixhiku in 2020, in the capacity of Minister of Infrastructure .

Rama in Rubikon of Klan Kosova said that the project was in line with the highest global standards for environmental impact, but that it was canceled due to protests by environmentalists.

“As an architect, I adhere to the processes, regulations precisely, we have different offers from different investors for different projects and we always go to see if the project is within the legal contours, within the regulatory plan, within the master development plan of Prishtina.”

This was the first point, we looked at it based on the regulatory plan of Pristina, the project was inside, it was completely legal and we looked at it and brought the environmental aspect called “Briem four”, with four stars, where the parameters for environmental protection are the highest in the world. “It happened differently, it was canceled and okay.”

“The project was canceled because of the protests, not because it was not in order. It is totally legal, even if you look at it now it is based on the law, I as an architect look at the legal aspect, so they invite me to do projects. “It had absolutely no impact on the environment, the idea was for us to bring the ‘Briem four’ standard so that the others that are already being developed in that part could be developed according to that standard.”

The post Rama: The project in Badoc was completely legal, it was canceled due to the protests of environmentalists – Latest News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
SECOND night of clashes in Serbia as government & opposition blame each other for protests over Covid-19 lockdown — RT World News https://kosovonow.com/second-night-of-clashes-in-serbia-as-government-opposition-blame-each-other-for-protests-over-covid-19-lockdown-rt-world-news/ Thu, 20 May 2021 00:16:29 +0000 https://kosovonow.com/?p=7045 SECOND night of clashes in Serbia as government & opposition blame each other for protests over Covid-19 lockdown — RT World News

Thousands of people gathered in Belgrade and other major cities to protest the Serbian government’s intention to reinstate the coronavirus lockdown. Stones and tear gas flew when they clashed with riot police late into the night. Belgrade police reportedly dispersed most of the demonstrators at midnight local time on Wednesday after nearly five hours of […]

The post SECOND night of clashes in Serbia as government & opposition blame each other for protests over Covid-19 lockdown — RT World News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
SECOND night of clashes in Serbia as government & opposition blame each other for protests over Covid-19 lockdown — RT World News

Thousands of people gathered in Belgrade and other major cities to protest the Serbian government’s intention to reinstate the coronavirus lockdown. Stones and tear gas flew when they clashed with riot police late into the night.

Belgrade police reportedly dispersed most of the demonstrators at midnight local time on Wednesday after nearly five hours of clashes and clashes with a crowd of mostly young men and women.

What began on Tuesday as a protest against the announced second round of Covid-19 lockdowns quickly turned into an attempt to storm parliament and fight the police.



Also on rt.com
MASSIVE Protests Shake Serbian Capital Following New Covid-19 Lockdown Announcement (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)


Protesters used garbage cans and planters to erect barricades and block tram and vehicle traffic in downtown Belgrade for several hours, local media reported. The government responded with riot police, gendarmerie armored vehicles, and horse cavalry sent to push back and disperse the crowd.

Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said 10 officers were injured on Wednesday, including one who broke both legs after being pushed down a flight of stairs. He added that police only used violence when protesters tried to “lynch” them using fence posts, clubs, shovels, stones, tear gas canisters and even Molotov cocktails to attack the officers.

Meanwhile, videos shared by protesters on social media showed a group of riot police beating a protester curled up on the ground.

After the first night of the protests, President Aleksandar Vucic blamed the violence on “right-wing extremists” who took over as “decent citizens” angry about coronavirus restrictions withdrew.

He also pointed the accusing finger at “all kinds of influence from foreign security services” without going into detail.

Accusations of foreign interference have been a sensitive issue in Serbia since the US-backed “Color Revolution” of October 2000 that brought the “Democratic Opposition” coalition to power. In 2012 she lost power to the Vucic Progressive Party. The Democrats boycotted the general election last month, claiming they were being stolen.



Also on rt.com
Belgrade is not protesting the lockdown of Covid-19, which was kidnapped by right-wing radicals – the Serbian president


Some opposition leaders actually tried to take over the protests on Tuesday; The video showed former Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic being booed and hit on the head as he tried to join the crowd outside Parliament.

On Wednesday, the Democrats blamed the “regime provocateurs” for the incident and organized a small protest themselves. However, when former President Boris Tadic tried to join the main crowd, he was booed, insulted, and evicted.

Local media showed photos of demonstrators wearing a cross and waving all sorts of Serbian flags, including the one dedicated to Kosovo, a breakaway province led by NATO and ethnic Albanians since the 1999 war. Vucic is due to meet with French and German leaders later this week to arrange negotiations with the ethnic Albanian leadership and many of the protesters accuse him of “treason” for allegedly planning to recognize their secession.

Some of the hand-made signs carried by demonstrators included the “Otpor fist,” which became notorious in 2000, but also said, “This is for you, Papa” – quoting a young man who told reporters on Tuesday that that his father died from Covid-19 because there weren’t enough fans.

Vucic has denied this claim but insisted that a new lockdown may be needed as new cases and deaths from the coronavirus have risen and hospitals reach full capacity.

In addition to Belgrade, there were also reports of protests in Niš and Novi Sad.

Do you think your friends would be interested? Share this story!

The post SECOND night of clashes in Serbia as government & opposition blame each other for protests over Covid-19 lockdown — RT World News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Pensioners warn of strikes and protests – Kajtazi: For 22 years we have been ignored and underestimated – Latest News https://kosovonow.com/pensioners-warn-of-strikes-and-protests-kajtazi-for-22-years-we-have-been-ignored-and-underestimated-latest-news/ Sat, 24 Apr 2021 10:55:42 +0000 https://kosovonow.com/?p=5810 The President of the League of Pensioners of Kosovo, Shaban Kajtazi, has made a written request for a meeting with Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Minister of Finance and Transfers, Hekuran Murati. Kajtazi in an interview for Ekonomia Online, explained that they requested an urgent meeting with both after the decision of the Government not […]

The post Pensioners warn of strikes and protests – Kajtazi: For 22 years we have been ignored and underestimated – Latest News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Pensioners warn of strikes and protests - Kajtazi: For 22 years we have been ignored and underestimated

The President of the League of Pensioners of Kosovo, Shaban Kajtazi, has made a written request for a meeting with Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Minister of Finance and Transfers, Hekuran Murati.

Kajtazi in an interview for Ekonomia Online, explained that they requested an urgent meeting with both after the decision of the Government not to continue providing allowances for this category.

Kajtazi even called this decision of the Government unexpected. According to him, for more than 20 years they have been ignored and underestimated by institutions.

According to him, if this trend continues, they have no choice but to take measures for strikes and protests.

“This decision was unexpected due to the fact that in Kosovo there are 180 thousand pensioners, of which 140 thousand are basic pensioners who receive a social pension. So this decision has greatly affected their mood and they remain disappointed with this decision. Maybe the government has thought for a long time to raise me to 10 euros. “10 euros is not a value for basic pensioners because they have 90 euros, plus 10 euros, it is not a basis for their lives”.

“So the decision was a bit unexpected. I have asked for contact as soon as possible with the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance and Transfers to give us an answer and we will respond that this decision is unacceptable, disappointing and has not chosen pensioners except the basic ones. We have also sent a written letter, but we expect that the pensioners will not be ignored because for 22 years they have been ignored and underestimated “.

“Now the pensioners are forgotten and they are not doing well. This government left the pensioners in this situation. We have fled the protests but we have come to a position that they are not understanding us. “If this trend towards the care of pensioners continues, we have no choice but to take measures until protests and strikes”, added Kajtazi.

He said that Pensioners are in a difficult material and mental condition.

“Pensioners are in a difficult situation both materially and mentally. “They have diseases, they use drugs and they do not have enough money to buy them, especially now in conditions of a pandemic because 90 euros do not cost you anything,” he said.

Kajtazi stressed that until he approves the Law on Disability Pension Insurance, the issue of pensioners will remain pending and unresolved.

“Until the Government approves the Law on Disability Pension Insurance, the issue of pensions is not resolved and it is the only case in Europe that a country is without the law on disability pension insurance. “Until this law is approved, the issue of pensions is pending and has not been resolved.”

Whereas the Minister of Finance, Hekuran Murati, said that the decision of the previous Government after April had not planned to continue the doubling of social assistance and allowances of 30 euros for pensioners who receive less than 100 euros.

The post Pensioners warn of strikes and protests – Kajtazi: For 22 years we have been ignored and underestimated – Latest News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Protests against Vucic’s election win for third day | Serbia News https://kosovonow.com/protests-against-vucics-election-win-for-third-day-serbia-news/ Fri, 26 Feb 2021 18:08:21 +0000 https://kosovonow.com/?p=2932 Protests against Vucic’s election win for third day | Serbia News

Government officials say rallies are the work of political opponents as the crowds march in Serbia’s capitals on day three. Thousands of mostly young people have gathered in Serbia for the third year in a row to protest against the election of Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic as the country’s next president On Wednesday, crowds marched […]

The post Protests against Vucic’s election win for third day | Serbia News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Protests against Vucic’s election win for third day | Serbia News

Government officials say rallies are the work of political opponents as the crowds march in Serbia’s capitals on day three.

Thousands of mostly young people have gathered in Serbia for the third year in a row to protest against the election of Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic as the country’s next president

On Wednesday, crowds marched through the capital Belgrade and other cities, whistling and chanting slogans such as “Vucic, you stole the election” and “End the dictatorship”.

Vucic, who will take office as president at the end of May, won the presidential elections on Sunday with a clear majority and received 55 percent of the vote in the first round.

WATCH: Serbia’s censorship debate

Protesters have gathered in the streets to respond to calls on social media. It was not clear who was organizing the events, although government officials say the demonstrations are the work of political opponents.

The protesters said they see Vucic as an autocrat and his Serbian Progressive Party as corrupt and instrumental in what they believe to be a fraudulent election.

Demands made online by a group of students included the dismissal of the electoral commission, media regulator and top editors of the state-run RTS TV for allegedly failing to allow a free and fair vote.

“I’m here because I think there is no democracy in this country anymore,” Belgrade protester Mihajlo Saranovic told the Associated Press.

“I think something has to change and I am here to express my dissatisfaction with the current situation,” he said.

The students said they would call for early parliamentary elections if their requests were not met.

Protesters hold a picture of the newly elected President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, with the slogan “It’s over”. [EPA]

Vucic interior minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said on Wednesday that the street protests are “highly political” and are orchestrated by opposition candidates who lost the election.

On Monday Vucic said: “Everyone has the right to be dissatisfied with the election results.”

“It’s fine as long as it’s peaceful,” said Vucic.

The opposition has claimed the election was marred by major irregularities, including media muzzling, voter intimidation and bribery.

The post Protests against Vucic’s election win for third day | Serbia News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
“Postieri” Association warns of protests against the decision of the Board of Directors in the Post – Latest News https://kosovonow.com/postieri-association-warns-of-protests-against-the-decision-of-the-board-of-directors-in-the-post-latest-news/ Sat, 20 Feb 2021 09:17:02 +0000 https://kosovonow.com/?p=2559 The Trade Union Association “Postieri” through a letter has reacted to the chairman of the Interim Board of Directors of the Post of Kosovo, Leonard Shabani and acting chief executive Xhevdet Smakiqi, for the latest decision on salary increase / reduction. In a press release from this association, they said that in the coming days […]

The post “Postieri” Association warns of protests against the decision of the Board of Directors in the Post – Latest News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
The Association

The Trade Union Association “Postieri” through a letter has reacted to the chairman of the Interim Board of Directors of the Post of Kosovo, Leonard Shabani and acting chief executive Xhevdet Smakiqi, for the latest decision on salary increase / reduction.

In a press release from this association, they said that in the coming days they will inform the Labor Inspectorate and will address the justice authorities as they say about the decision and competitions for hiring new employees.

The “Postieri” association called this decision illegal and shameful. Through a communiqué, the Association says that through the decision, the senior officials of the enterprise increase their salaries while those of other employees decrease, “always without any plan, analysis and as desired”.

Also, from this association have expressed that they have not yet received salaries for January of this year, while mentioning the competitions that according to the association are being made for promotions.

“Competitions are underway for the recruitment of new employees and for senior officials of the company, not to mention the many promotions that have taken place in the last two months, where all these have a negative effect on employees and the company.” it is said in the reaction of this association./Zeri

Image

The post “Postieri” Association warns of protests against the decision of the Board of Directors in the Post – Latest News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Serbia coronavirus protests: Four key questions answered | Serbia News https://kosovonow.com/serbia-coronavirus-protests-four-key-questions-answered-serbia-news/ Tue, 16 Feb 2021 18:54:14 +0000 https://kosovonow.com/?p=2345 Serbia coronavirus protests: Four key questions answered | Serbia News

For many Serbs, it was the last straw when President Aleksandar Vucic announced the resumption of a weekend curfew to fight the coronavirus pandemic and thousands took to the streets angrily. Who are these protesters and what caused the outrage? And could the demonstrations that have turned to violence endanger Vucic’s rule, accuse the critic […]

The post Serbia coronavirus protests: Four key questions answered | Serbia News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>
Serbia coronavirus protests: Four key questions answered | Serbia News

For many Serbs, it was the last straw when President Aleksandar Vucic announced the resumption of a weekend curfew to fight the coronavirus pandemic and thousands took to the streets angrily.

Who are these protesters and what caused the outrage? And could the demonstrations that have turned to violence endanger Vucic’s rule, accuse the critic of growing authoritarianism?

Why are people protesting?

Serbia’s frustration over the roller coaster response to the coronavirus outbreak has grown frustrated.

After initially downplaying the dangers, the authorities switched from extremely tight lockdowns to a swift return to normal last month ahead of the national elections that cemented Vucic’s takeover.

Critics blame Vucic for the second wave of infections, which skyrocketed after the June 21 vote.

“Our government just cares about its own interests, people are just collateral damage,” said Jelina Jankovic, a protester.

Serbia has reported around 370 deaths, but many accuse authorities of falsifying the numbers, which the government denies.

Serbian protesters clash with police over lockdown (1:56)

On Tuesday, Vucic announced the return of a round-the-clock weekend curfew to combat the second surge.

“We relaxed too much, made a lot of mistakes and that is an individual fault for all of us,” he said.

Protesters outraged at the finger pointing poured into the center of the capital that same evening.

While the government was tracking the curfew, protests continued against a leader accused of trampling Serbia’s democratic institutions.

“The pressure cooker is now exploding,” said Bonn-based Serbian journalist Nemanja Rujevic, adding that the “clumsy” management of the health crisis exacerbated long-standing frustration with Vucic’s authoritarian rule.

Who is protesting?

The demonstrations were not led by any particular party, with groups stretching from left to far right.

There are young people and families as well as groups holding religious icons and flags of the former Serbian province of Kosovo.

On the first day of the protest on Tuesday, a far-right group at the head of the front broke into parliament and sparked clashes with the police, during which tear gas was fired.

Most nights start off peacefully, before gangs of protesters hurl stones, torches and fireworks at police officers.

On Thursday, some demonstrators sat in front of parliament to show that they came in peace. Many of them accuse the state of planting “provocateurs” in order to discredit them.

“I’m always in favor of peaceful demonstrations because violence creates violence and that’s why we didn’t come,” said 30-year-old Tijana Milojevic.

Analysts say these departments could influence the movement.

“If no political leadership is identified, the protests will likely die off as they could be hijacked by the far right, which could result in a loss of popular support or create multiple clashing factions,” said Bosko Tripkovic, a law professor at the university from Birmingham.

Is Vucic threatened?

Probably not. From Prime Minister to President, Vucic has steadily expanded his powers over the past eight years.

This went hand in hand with extensive control over the media, with many television channels and tabloids serving as propaganda posts, such as the US-based Freedom House, which no longer regards Serbia as a democracy.

The national broadcaster RTS ignored the first night of the protests and broadcast a Jackie Chan film.

“Previous protests in Serbia have shown that the government can tolerate several months of peaceful demonstrations by several thousand people – as long as it controls the media narrative,” said Rujevic.

The main opposition camp boycotted the June elections, which means Vucic’s party tightly controls parliament.

At the moment the crowd is not big enough to worry the president, said Florian Bieber, a Balkan expert from the University of Graz.

“Because the opposition is divided, it cannot pose a serious threat to the government,” said Bieber.

How did the state react?

Police brutality scenes captured on cameras have gone viral, including an incident on Tuesday where officers used batons to beat three men who were peacefully sitting on a bench.

However, the Serbian ombudsman has claimed that “no excessive force was used” to quell the protests.

Vucic has branded the protesters as “criminal hooligans” and made vague allegations of “foreign interference”.

Government-affiliated tabloids have sparked “Russian interference”.

The post Serbia coronavirus protests: Four key questions answered | Serbia News first appeared on Kosovo Now.]]>