Belgrade Protests Under Russian Microscope: Chaos, Students, and Vučić’s Conspiracy Theories
If you thought the protests in Belgrade were just another street scene, Russian media have a different and pretty dramatic take! Around 36,000 people gathered at Slavija Square, the heart of Belgrade, mostly students and opposition supporters. According to police estimates, this is three times fewer than the massive protest on March 15, but still enough to stir the pot.
Vidovdan as the Trigger
All this happened on June 28, Vidovdan, one of Serbia’s most important national holidays. Authorities ramped up security measures, and arrests before the protests were presented as part of a broader operation to prevent destabilization. Russian outlets TASS and RIA Novosti closely followed the events, describing clashes between students and the gendarmerie, throwing stones, firecrackers, and even attempts to break police lines with garbage containers.
Vučić’s Accusations: ‘Foreign Forces Behind It All’
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić didn’t hold back. He claims that undefined “foreign forces” are behind the protests, aiming to destabilize the country. Is this just a conspiracy theory or a real threat? Russian media relay his statements about the largest youth exodus in Serbia’s history, bigger even than during the World Wars. Thousands of young people are fleeing to Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, and Hungary, while protests demand early elections.
Chaos on the Streets and Clashes with Police
Protesters blocked Slavija Square and surrounding streets. Clashes with police began near two security cordons. Stones and firecrackers were thrown, offensive slogans against the government shouted, and attempts to break police lines with garbage containers were recorded and reported by Russian media. RIA Novosti reports six injured police officers, two civilians hurt, and dozens of hooligans detained.
What Do Other Sources Say?
While the main focus is on the protests, other articles in the same area, like one about alleged blocking of an ambulance, are not directly related to the protests but cover details of clashes and police interventions.
Conclusion: Serbia on the Edge or Just Another Day in Belgrade?
While Russian media sensationalize the protests, it’s clear that dissatisfaction among youth and opposition is boiling in Serbia. Vučić’s accusations of foreign forces and the youth exodus add fuel to the fire. Will the situation calm down or escalate? Time will tell.
What do you think? Is this a genuine fight for change or just another political show? Drop a comment, maybe together we’ll figure out what’s really going on in the streets of Belgrade!
