A Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) campaign rally in Valjevo addressed by Aleksandar Vučić also drew citizens protesting his appearance, with police deployed between the two groups, N1 reported.
Although the campaign rally has ended and protesters have gradually dispersed, police vans, a police cordon and gendarmerie units remained in the city center, according to N1.
The protesters played the song “Tri poljupca hoću ja” (“I Want Three Kisses”) in response to a torch display at the rally, the report said.
Vuk Vasiljević, a student from Valjevo, described the situation in the city as resembling a “state of siege.” He said students had planned, as on previous days, to set up a stand opposite the city square.
According to Vasiljević, a municipal inspector approached them and told them to remove the stand, even though he said they had not yet set it up.
The students then asked whether they could distribute promotional material and speak with citizens without setting up a stand. They were initially told they could do so, but Vasiljević said uniformed police officers arrived several minutes later.
He said officers checked the identities of those present, including citizens who had joined the students, and instructed them to move about 100 meters away from the city square.
Vasiljević also alleged that a police inspector grabbed him by the arm and attempted to take his phone. He said another student was similarly approached while they were filming people at the scene.
The student further claimed that they noticed a large number of masked individuals, including masked police officers and people wearing caps.
During the SNS rally, Vučić, who is the lead candidate on the “United Serbia” list, said parliamentary elections would be held in 19 days and urged supporters to treat the vote as decisive for Serbia’s future.
Vučić thanked those who had gathered to welcome him and referred to the protesters as political opponents. He said police had positioned themselves to protect them and claimed that around 4,000 people had attended his rally compared with about 90 protesters.
“Don’t let us react. Let us remain calm, polite and considerate, and take care of them,” Vučić told supporters.
He also said that, since the introduction of a multiparty system, no political party had prevented another party from holding rallies or gatherings.
