Chaos in Serbian Streets: Students and Citizens Block Bridges, Intersections, and Roads!
Last night, Serbia was gripped by protests that escalated into full-blown chaos on the streets. Students and citizens organized into small groups and blocked key roads, bridges, and intersections in Belgrade, Novi Sad, and several other cities across the country. Containers, fences, and even tents were used as barricades, completely paralyzing traffic.
What sparked the protests? It all started with the arrest of students suspected of preparing violent actions and planning a violent change of the constitutional order. The demonstrators expressed support for the detainees and announced that this is not the end – blockades will continue today and tomorrow, with farmers, bikers, and war veterans expected to join in.
Police respond with force! Early this morning, police began dismantling blockades at multiple locations in Belgrade and Novi Sad. A total of 29 people were arrested for disturbing public order, with 77 people detained overnight. Police used force to remove barricades and restore traffic flow.
Where were the blockades? In Belgrade, the Gazela Bridge, Branko’s Bridge, Pančevo Bridge, and intersections in Zemun, New Belgrade, Rakovica, Banovo Brdo, Vračar, and many other parts of the city were blocked. In Novi Sad, all main boulevards were blocked, and other cities such as Niš, Kragujevac, Subotica, Zaječar, Pančevo, Čačak, Kraljevo, Valjevo, Kruševac, Užice, Mladenovac, Lazarevac, Bajina Bašta, Smederevo, Šabac, and Zrenjanin also saw blockades.
Incidents and violence There were incidents during the protests – a man tried to break through a blockade by car near the Fountain, and clashes with police occurred. In Novi Sad, demonstrators threw stones and broke windows of SNS premises, and in Belgrade, a protester tore an Expo flag while others applauded.
Plans ahead Demonstrators announced they will not back down and will continue blockades, while authorities promised to respond decisively and prevent any violence. Interior Minister Ivica Dačić stated that police will ensure stable public order and punish anyone disrupting it.
Legal aspect Several individuals were arrested on suspicion of preparing criminal acts against Serbia’s constitutional order. The prosecution stated there is evidence that in the premises of the Electrical and Civil Engineering Faculties, plans were made to attack state institutions and block roads across the country.
Conclusion Serbia is on the brink of chaos, with streets turned into battlegrounds between demonstrators and police. While some demand justice and freedom of expression, others see this as an attempt to violently change the state order. Traffic was paralyzed, and normalization is expected only in the coming hours. Whether this is the start of something bigger or just a passing episode remains to be seen.
What do you think about these blockades? Are the students heroes or hooligans? Drop a comment, let’s see which side of the barricades you stand on!
