The Serbian president called on the protesters to abandon the blocking of cities on July 4

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on July 4 called on student protesters and opposition supporters to abandon plans to lay siege to several cities, including Belgrade, warning that otherwise the authorities would be forced to take counter measures.

"Unfortunately, those who don't like Serbia, and they exist in our country, have decided to ruin our lives...> Tomorrow, early in the morning, they plan to completely besiege several cities, including Belgrade.<...> I ask them not to do this, understand each other, do not hate their country so much, understand that these are serious crimes," he said in a video message posted on Instagram (owned by Meta, its the activity is recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation).

According to Vucic, the actions of the protesters contradict the law on traffic safety and the constitutional norms of freedom of movement. He noted that the authorities of his country respect freedom of assembly and expression, but "this kind of violence" will not be allowed.

"Our state cannot and should not allow this kind of violence, because then it is no longer a state. Then the state no longer exists. Therefore, I ask you to think again and come to your senses once again," the president concluded.

Street business: protests in Serbia may become more radical

Are they capable of leading to a change of power and what will Vucic do?

On June 30, those taking part in anti-government protests blocked the Gazela Bridge, which is the central transport artery of the city, with barricades. At that time, at least 30 barricades were seen in the city. The country's authorities regarded these protests as a manifestation of extremism.