Thousands protest ‘culture of violence’ in Serbia

Thousands of demonstrators took to Belgrade’s streets on Saturday in the fifth protest against what they claim to be escalating violence spurred on by the country’s ruling party.

The movement called “Serbia against violence” was triggered after two mass shootings last month. They are the biggest since demonstrators toppled strongman Slobodan Milosevic in 2000.

Protesters expressed anger at the ruling party over a culture of violence they say is spurred by government-controlled media outlets. The demonstrators are asking for the government to revoke the broadcasting licenses of channels promoting violent content, and for a ban on newspapers that attack political dissidents. They are also seeking the resignations of the interior minister and the head of the intelligence services.

“I’m here for all of us, especially my children. So they don’t need to protest, but work and live in their country like they should,” 33-year-old mathematician Bojana Popovic told AFP during the rally.

“Today, as we walk the streets, we will carry not only pain, but also the hope that children will feel safe in schools,” actor Nenad Maričić said, according to local media. “The hope that all victims of violence will receive justice and peace, the hope that we will find the strength to build a better society that punishes injustice and violence.”

One group of protesters released helium balloons urging Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to leave. The balloons carried a banner with the message: “Vučić Go Away” under a large picture of the president.

In early May, a 13-year-old pupil opened fire at a Belgrade elementary school. A day later, a 21-year-old man went on a shooting spree outside Belgrade.