Belgrade Under Siege: Police vs. a Handful of Blockade Troublemakers!
Belgrade has turned into a battleground in recent days between a stubborn handful of blockade protesters and the police who refuse to back down. While all bridges and most roads remain passable, the real drama unfolds near the Faculty of Law, where tram lines 5, 6, 7, and 14 are completely halted due to persistent traffic blockades.
18 Arrested, But Blockades Persist!
The Ministry of Internal Affairs arrested 18 people overnight, with 16 fined for misdemeanors and two suspected of criminal offenses. Yet, this was not enough to fully clear the blockades. Police had to intervene in other Serbian cities like Novi Sad and Užice, where incidents and arrests for disturbing public order were also reported.
Chaos on the Streets
On Maksima Gorkog Boulevard in Belgrade, tensions escalated when a young man set fire to sound equipment and tried to flee. Blockade protesters caught him and started beating him until the police arrived and arrested him. These scenes are not only unpleasant but dangerous for everyone’s safety on the roads.
Vučić and Dačić Speak Out
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić promised that the state will remove the blockade in Zemun within 72 hours, currently occupied by only a few people. Vučić made it clear he won’t allow the situation to spiral into chaos. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dačić emphasized that blockades of vital roads and critical infrastructure are not allowed anywhere in the world.
Dačić warned specifically against placing containers, fences, flower pots, and other obstacles on the road, calling it not a peaceful protest but a law violation that endangers everyone’s safety.
Citizens at Their Wits’ End
As authorities try to restore order, citizens grow increasingly frustrated. Traffic was blocked in several Belgrade neighborhoods, including Cerak, Voždovac, and Železnik, causing massive jams and irritation. People wonder how much longer they can endure these scenes and whether the government will finally put an end to these violent blockades.
Conclusion: Chaos or Law?
This situation in Belgrade is not just about traffic; it’s about respecting the law and safety. While some see blockades as a form of protest, others view them as outright crime and a threat to life. Police have made it clear they won’t tolerate blockades that endanger safety, and the government is ready to act decisively and swiftly.
If you thought blockades were just annoying traffic jams, think again — this is a full-blown street war in Belgrade! What do you think? Are blockades justified, or is it time to stop the violence? Drop your thoughts and let the conversation roll!
