Thousands join an antigoven protest in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade | News protests
Prosecutors charged at least 13 people to demolish the roof of the train station in November in Novi Sadness.
Serb Protesters of anti -corruptionPolice riots and supporters of President Aleksandar Vucic faced in central Belgrade, as tens of thousands of people appeared in the years for the biggest anti -agricultural gatherings in the years.
The prominent student protests began in December after the death of 15 people when the roof at the train station crashed on November 1 in the northern town of Novi Sad, which critics The guilt for corruption under Vucic.
Sporadic conflicts occurred over the night before Saturday’s gathering, in front of the National Assembly, from which protesters were to march to Slavia Square. Police deployed hundreds of police officers into full riot equipment in the pioneering park and across the street.
Thousands of veterans from the elite military brigades in Maroon Beret and cyclists who support students also stood 15 minutes of silence starting at 11:52 (10:52 GMT) to honor the victims of the newly sad tragedy at the time of the roof collapse.
Some protesters wore banners who read, “He finished”, referring to Vucic. Others sang, “Pump it”, a slogan adopted during four months of protest under the guidance of students.
“We came for justice. I hope that after this protest, things will change,” said Milica Stojanovic, a biology student in Belgrade before a demonstration.
Although it is expected that the gathering will be largely calm on Saturday, on Friday night in the suburbs of Zarkovo, the car scored a protester column, injuring three people, and police said they had arrested the driver.
In Central Belgrade, a student and university lecturer were injured in the attack by a group of men early on Saturday, police said.
Three people were also detained after the nights on tractors stationed around the pioneering park, they said.
In the statements posted on social networks on Saturday, students invited those who participated in the gathering to act “in a quiet and responsible way”.
“The purpose of this movement is not an incursion to institutions, nor attack those who don’t think like us,” said one statement. “This movement should not be abused.”
In an effort to prevent tensions, students also said that they had crossed the stage in the center of the planned protest from the front of the National Assembly building to Slavia Square, about 1 km (0.6 miles).
So far, Serbian prosecutors have accused at least 13 people for demolishing the new Awag, and the Government has announced a campaign for anti -corruption. Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and two ministers also resigned.
But the pressure increases in the days that led to Saturday’s gathering.
The media supported by the Government broadcasts all sharp accusations, saying that students plan to launch a “national blow”. Earlier, Vucic himself accused the demonstrations of organizing “great violence”.
Vucic warned on Saturday of a “final” calculation, while some student protesters said they would continue to gather until their demands for greater responsibility were fulfilled.
On Friday, Vucic brought air waves with a defiant message to the demonstrators, promising that he would not withdraw before mass protests.
“Just to be clear, I won’t be under pressure,” Vucic said during a national television address.
“I am the president of Serbia and I will not allow the streets to set the rules in this country.”
He also said he asked the police to show restraint during the protest, but to deal with problems.