Chaos on Serbia’s Streets: Protests, Detentions, and Roadblocks Driving Everyone Crazy!
This morning, Serbia is up and about—not because of peace and quiet, but because chaos is spreading across the streets. While morning traffic in Belgrade and other cities flows without blockades, Užice is still holding protests in front of the basic court and police station. Seven Užice residents have been detained for 30 days for allegedly attacking police during a blockade of the main road Belgrade-Zlatibor. Lawyer Mihailo Krstić announced an appeal, but the court decided—the detention is inevitable.
Lawyers on Strike, Citizens on the Streets
The court’s decision sparked a storm of discontent. The Serbian Bar Association immediately reacted and announced a three-day strike of lawyers across Serbia, meaning legal processes will slow down or halt. In Užice, the court building is blocked, and protests continue. Police checked the identities of many people overnight and filed misdemeanor charges. Meanwhile, students in Belgrade and other cities canceled planned blockades and instead organized aid collections for victims of devastating fires that hit southern Serbia.
Fires Devouring Serbia and Citizens’ Solidarity
While protests rage in Užice and elsewhere, Serbia is literally burning! Fires have destroyed thousands of hectares, and the village of Dubovo is almost wiped off the map. The government declared a state of emergency in five cities and 11 municipalities, allocating about 2.8 million euros for recovery. Firefighters and locals are battling the flames, while students and citizens organize humanitarian actions. But is this the time for blockades and protests or for unity and help?
Economy on the Brink of Collapse Due to Blockades
As the streets fill with protests, boutique owners and traders in Belgrade and other cities are desperate. Sales have dropped by up to 70%, shopping centers are empty, and people are afraid to leave their homes because of blockades and protests. Costs are rising, incomes falling. Some have already taken collective vacations hoping the situation will improve. “We don’t know what we’ll do if this continues,” says a boutique owner in New Belgrade. Despair is everywhere—from Dorćol to King Alexander Boulevard.
Who’s to Blame? Protesters, Government, or All of Us?
While some fight for their rights, others suffer the consequences. Police arrest, courts detain, lawyers strike, and ordinary citizens and businesses pay the price. Are blockades and protests justified when the country is burning and the economy is on its knees? Or is this just another sign that Serbia can’t find common ground and solutions to its problems?
Conclusion: Serbia, It’s Time to Talk, Not Fight!
Serbia is on fire—literally and figuratively. While some fight the flames, others fight the law, and others fight for their livelihoods. Blockades and protests may be a way to express dissatisfaction, but is it a price everyone should pay? Maybe it’s time for everyone—government, opposition, citizens, and businesses—to sit down and try to find solutions that build bridges instead of burning them.
So, what do you think? Are the protests justified or just making things worse? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or crack a joke to lighten the mood a bit!
