The opposition group Užička akcija has announced a nine-hour blockade of the main highway in Užice today, starting at 4:00 PM. This action is intended to pressure authorities for the immediate release of all nine citizens arrested during recent protests. Despite the blockade, organizers assure that alternative routes will be available for city access and exit throughout the day.
Organizers stated that the route towards Zlatibor (Ada-Vrela-Ljubanje-Kaldrma-Bela Zemlja-Zlatibor) will remain continuously open, and exiting the city towards Belgrade will be possible through Krčagovo. They also confirmed designated parking areas for participants, advising “exclusively peaceful movement across the Ložionički Bridge” due to the expected large turnout.
“We call on all citizens who do not agree with injustice, institutional violence, and the collapse of the rule of law, to send a clear message with their presence at the City Square in Užice at 4:00 PM,” Užička akcija said in a statement. “Užice does not remain silent, does not kneel, and does not comply. Let us rise with dignity, massively, and bravely against injustice. This is a test for all of us.”
Among the nine arrested is Radovan Novaković, president of the Užička akcija council group and a lawyer.
The protest program includes bikers arriving at 4:00 PM, with speeches commencing around 5:00 PM. Expected speakers include actor Tihomir Stanić, lawyer Vladimir Terzić, and local priest Milić Dragović. Letters from former footballer Nemanja Vidić and RTS journalist Branko Stanković will also be read.
Citizens are encouraged to gather at four designated points: Partizan Square, in front of the City Assembly, near the National Museum, and by the Fire Station. The protest’s nine-hour duration symbolizes the demand for the release of the nine arrested Užice citizens.
