This Saturday started with no major street blockades across Belgrade, with the exception of Zemun, where community gatherings and students set up a “pedestrian zone” for the day, according to reports from the BBC in Serbian.

The decision to have a day-long blockade was made following the detention of numerous individuals during mobile blockades in Serbia on Friday, triggered by police violence against students from the Faculty of Law on Wednesday evening.

Choirs from Banovo Brdo, Rakovica, and Beli Vode announced plans to obstruct traffic at Ada Mola today, while the citizen’s organization “For Our Quay” declared on the Iks network that they had blocked the loading dock for EXPO using bicycles.

The Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) had previously cautioned those organizing blockades that the police would “take all measures to maintain public order and peace.”

The ministry urged everyone to maintain peace and stability, underscoring that legal actions would be pursued against anyone breaking the law.

Serbia: Daily decline in support for protesters, ongoing research mentioned

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić remarked today that backing for the protesters and political opponents is “dwindling daily,” affirming that he conducts “serious research daily.”

“There are moments when the worst societal elements rise to the surface. This happened in 2000, and it’s happening again now; we’ve learned those lessons. That’s why we’re navigating through them,” Vučić stated during the inauguration of the Preljina-Požega section on the Miloš Veliki highway, attended by journalists and ministers.

He conveyed that public frustration over the blockades is increasing, noting that “people are on edge because they can no longer tolerate this chaos,” but emphasized the necessity of preventing any rash actions that could lead to incidents.

Vučić added that while the police are “stretched thin,” they remain vigilant and committed to their duties, insisting that it would be foolish to undermine a police force funded by the populace to maintain order.

In response to questions about politicians planning to obstruct this section as well, he remarked that “this is a tragic narrative with a regrettable conclusion for certain politicians.”

Vučić declared that this road segment is the most challenging in Serbia’s history to construct and proposed that it be free to use until July 15th.

Ministry of Interior: 1,130 people ID-checked at roadblocks last night, 107 apprehended

Officials from the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs verified the identities of 1,130 individuals last night, leading to 107 arrests, as stated in their release.

Among those detained, 106 individuals were taken in for violations during the street blockades and associated protests, and one person was arrested on suspicion of a criminal offense.

Police in Belgrade and Zrenjanin reported “isolated incidents,” including threats to the safety of protest participants.

Specifically, two protesters in Zrenjanin experienced minor injuries when a vehicle attempted to pass through a blocked intersection.

No law enforcement personnel sustained injuries during the night.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs once again urges citizens to avoid any unlawful activities and refrain from blocking roadways, especially in manners that could jeopardize their safety and that of other road users,” the statement concluded.

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