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At least one other university student was arrested earlier this
week accused of preparing “an act of terrorism” based on his
private conversations over a mobile phone. Hundreds on Thursday
demonstrated against the arrest in Belgrade.
Protesting university students have called Saturday's rally to
press their demand for an early election after nearly eight
months of almost daily anti-corruption demonstrations that have
shaken the populist government of President Aleksandar Vucic.
Persistent protests started in November after a renovated rail
station canopy collapsed that killed 16 people and which many
blamed on rampant government corruption and negligence in state
infrastructure projects. University students have been a key
force behind the nationwide movement.
Vucic and his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party have refused
the students' demand for a snap vote, instead accusing the
protesters of planning to spur violence at Saturday's gathering.
Police alleged the detained group met last week in a hotel in
the central town of Kraljevo to plan a violent change of
government and attacks on police and pro-government media
outlets. One of the suspects had a gun and ammunition, they
said.
No other details were immediately available. Serbian media
reported that those arrested include an opposition politician,
veteran of the wars of the 1990s, and others.
Authorities made similar arrests back in March, ahead of what
was the biggest ever anti-government protest in the Balkan
country, which drew hundreds of thousands of people.
Vucic's loyalists also set up a camp in a park outside his
office which still stands. The otherwise peaceful gathering on
March 15 came to an abrupt end when part of the crowd suddenly
scattered in panic, triggering allegations that authorities used
a sonic weapon against peaceful protesters, which they have
denied.
Vucic, a former extreme nationalist, has become increasingly
authoritarian since coming to power over a decade ago. Though he
formally says he wants Serbia to join the European Union,
critics say Vucic has stifled democratic freedoms as he
strengthened ties with Russia and China.
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