Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MFEA) has recommended that its citizens postpone all non-essential travel to Serbia.
In an announcement published today, the Ministry urged Croatian citizens to exercise “increased caution, monitor the current situation, and gather more detailed information before traveling, especially in light of the inappropriate and unfounded behavior by the authorities of the Republic of Serbia towards Croatian citizens.”
“Given that spontaneous road blockades often occur as a result of civil protests, it is important to bear in mind that it is impossible to predict traffic conditions and eventual difficulties that could significantly affect movement throughout the country. Croatian citizens are especially recommended to avoid places where a large number of people gather,” the MFEA statement reads.
In case of any extraordinary situation or emergency outside official hours, Croatian citizens have the right to contact the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the Republic of Serbia via the emergency phone number: 0038163485757.
“The decision to travel abroad is the personal responsibility of each individual. Recommendations and warnings for travel abroad, published on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, are advisory in nature,” the statement concludes, as reported by REL.
Context of Serbian Protests and Police Actions
In Serbia, recent days have seen widespread road blockades organized in response to a call for “civil disobedience” by students, following a large protest held on June 28 that demanded early elections.
Police intervened to remove the blockades and arrest participants, after which opposition parties and students accused authorities of using “brutal” force.
Prior to the escalation of tensions in Serbia, authorities had reportedly expelled artists and citizens from neighboring countries who had expressed support for the protests in Serbia.
