Over 35 people were arrested late last night by the Serbian police during the seventh protest against electoral manipulations during the parliamentary and local elections that took place on December 17th.
The protest was organized by the opposition coalition "Serbia Against Violence". It was held in front of the Republican Electoral Commission, but later the crowd gathered in front of the Belgrade Municipality building. The protesters tried to break into the building, but the police intervened and prevented them from entering the premises of the municipality. There were numerous incidents during the protest. Some of the participants broke windows, doors, as well as video surveillance cameras, state television reported.
The police used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
At around 11:00 p.m. Bulgarian time, the police completely dispersed the protesters and expelled the journalistic teams that were in front of the Belgrade Municipality building. At that time, Interior Minister Bratislav Gasič also entered the building.
During the protests, President Aleksandar Vucic made three extraordinary statements. He announced that there was a meeting of the National Security Council due to the attempts to "forcibly take over the state institutions of Serbia". He confirmed that 35 people were detained and that there were two injured policemen.
"How are you not ashamed! Without the support of the people, you want power. I am not afraid of protests. As soon as I found out about them, I went to the presidency and entered through the official entrance, so that it would be understood that I am with the people." Vucic said to Pink TV addressing the opposition. According to him, "the protesters ran like rabbits when they realized that the gendarmerie was coming". Vucic threatened to prosecute "everyone, including so-called politicians, for their violent behavior".
The Serbian president urged citizens not to worry. "Serbia is a serious country. We will oppose everyone and defeat those who want to harm the country," he said and added: This is not a revolution. "The state has enough forces to protect democracy. All violent people will be arrested," Aleksandar Vucic also said.
BGNES reminds that one of the leaders of "Serbia against violence", Marinika Tepic, is already on hunger strike for the seventh day due to the election manipulations. /BGNES
