Tensions are high on the streets of Belgrade, with protesters blockading the headquarters of the public television in Serbia in a serious attack on the free press. A police officer has also been seriously attacked. According to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, that’s all for peaceful protests. The Color Revolution in Serbia was organized with billions of euros, the head of state added.
The protesters have been blocking two entrances of the Serbian public television (RTS) building in Belgrade since Monday evening. The protest continued on Tuesday morning and is scheduled to last until 9 p.m.
RTS stated in a statement that “this blockade is in complete contradiction to the protesting students’ previous statements that they support the free operation of institutions.”
According to the protesters, employees can leave the building, but no one can enter. RTS, meanwhile, is broadcasting its programs.
According to reporters at the scene, the situation was calm on Tuesday morning, although protesters were loudly chanting: “No one is tired, RTS is under blockade!”
A more serious incident occurred on Monday evening when police were passing through a line of demonstrators. Some people in plainclothes attacked the police, who fought back, the Serbian daily Blic reported. The Serbian Interior Ministry said one police officer was injured.
Minister of Information and Telecommunications Dejan Risztisz called for dialogue, along with the president.
President Vucic visited the injured police officer and also posted a picture with him.
The president highlighted in his post: “The perpetrators of violence think they have a free hand. This is not the case. They will be held accountable for any violence they commit. So much for peaceful protesters.”
The Interior Ministry said they would not intervene in the protest unless there was an attempt to forcefully enter state institutions and the RTS building, or if the police were attacked.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic previously stated: “The Color Revolution in Serbia was organized with huge amounts of money, billions of euros, so that the country could not defend Kosovo and could not help the Bosnian Serb Republic.”
According to the head of state, foreign countries are behind the events.
“I repeat once again. We will preserve the freedom, independence and sovereignty of Serbia. We will protect Kosovo and Metohija as part of Serbia, and we will not allow you to destroy the Republika Srpska of Bosnia, as you have planned,” Vucic said.