Aleksandar Vucic said Russia warned Belgrade that a coup was being prepared in the country
Photo: REUTERS.
Last week, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić claimed that Russia, through its intelligence services, had warned Belgrade that a coup was being prepared in the country according to the “colour revolution” scenario. The Serbian leader promised to carefully analyse the information received. And it soon became clear that the information from Moscow had arrived on time.
On Saturday, some 30,000 people gathered in Belgrade for a large protest rally. The protests did not seem to be directly related to politics. People opposed the government’s plans to open a lithium mine. The fact is that Serbia has signed an agreement with the European Union for the development of a deposit containing this valuable metal. It is used, in particular, in batteries for electric vehicles, making it possible for Europe to transition to green energy. The mine will be operated by the Anglo-Australian mining company Rio Tinto. However, the public is alarmed that large-scale lithium mining will cause irreparable damage to the environment.
At first, the meeting was peaceful. But as the action was drawing to a close, several hundred provocateurs began shouting in the crowd. They called on the demonstrators to march through the capital, and some people heeded their call. As a result, protesters filled Belgrade’s train station, blocked the tracks, and also blocked the highway on which international freight traffic runs. Anti-government slogans appeared on the hands of some demonstrators. However, the police, warned of possible excesses, remained on high alert and carefully detained a dozen and a half of the most active rioters, including foreign citizens. The remaining participants soon dispersed. President Aleksandar Vucic said that the police did not use any violence during the demonstration. In his opinion, those responsible for the riots are not concerned about the mine, but are using the issue for political purposes.
The opposition’s attempt to change the situation in the country on Saturday failed. It remains to be seen whether the opponents of the current government in Serbia will decide to launch new protests.
