Associated Press reports growing tensions in Serbia on Saturday ahead of a rally in support of President Aleksandar Vučić, who vowed to regain control after months of mass protests against corruption that have challenged his stronghold on power.
Vučić is attempting to suppress a nationwide movement led by university students, who are demanding justice for the victims of a November train station collapse that killed 16 people. Many blame widespread corruption in state institutions for the tragedy.
Reports indicated that Serbian students blocked a major intersection near Novi Pazar on Saturday morning to prevent buses from the ruling SNS party from heading to Belgrade for the “We Won’t Give Up Serbia” rally. However, police intervened aggressively, pushing and trampling on the students.
Meanwhile, pro-government media outlets in Serbia have started promoting the large participation of citizens from across the country in today’s rally, set to take place at 7:00 PM in Belgrade. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is expected to deliver a speech at the event.
