Protesters block motorway in Serbian capital after mass shootings 2023
On the evening of May 21, 2023, hundreds of people gathered in the Serbian capital Belgrade to protest against a recent wave of mass shootings in the city. The protest soon turned into a standoff between the demonstrators and the police, with the protesters blocking the motorway leading to the airport and other key areas of the city.
The protest was sparked by the recent shootings in Belgrade, which have left several people dead and many more injured. The protesters are demanding that the government take urgent action to address the issue of gun violence and improve public safety in the city.
The demonstrators, many of whom were carrying banners and signs calling for an end to the violence, were met by a large contingent of riot police who attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas and water cannons. However, the protesters stood their ground, chanting slogans and refusing to move.
The situation quickly escalated, with reports of violence and clashes between protesters and police. Several people were injured and arrested, and the motorway remained blocked for several hours.
The protest has highlighted growing concerns about public safety in Belgrade, which has seen a sharp increase in violent crime in recent years. Many people are calling for the government to take action to address the underlying causes of the violence, such as poverty and social inequality.
The Serbian government has condemned the violence and expressed its condolences to the families of the victims. However, it has yet to announce any concrete measures to address the issue of gun violence and improve public safety in the city.
The protest has also sparked a debate about the right to protest and the use of force by the police. Many people have criticized the police for their heavy-handed response to the demonstration, arguing that it is a violation of the protesters’ right to free speech and peaceful assembly.
The situation remains tense in Belgrade, with many people calling for further protests and demonstrations until the government takes action to address the issue of gun violence in the city. It is unclear how the government will respond to these demands, but it is clear that the people of Belgrade are demanding change and will not be silenced.