Activist farmer released

He was arrested on March 1 after standing up to police officers trying to break up a protest at a border crossing with Bosnia-Herzegovina. Kokanovic has been involved in protests against Rio Tinto plans to open a lithium mine in his native Jadar valley and has actively supported the student protests.

He was released from jail in the city of Sabac a day after being interrogated there by prosecutors while a crowd gathered outside in a show of support.

Kokanovic told an N1 reporter that his release is a small victory with the main battle still ahead. “This is a form of repression, pressure and intimidation but they went for the wrong person. I lost my fear… they can do what they want but I won’t give up the fight. We will fight to victory and that will be when this regime is removed which won’t require a lot of strength, only a pen … if only the coward would call elections,” he said.

The judge who released Kokanovic ruled that the danger of him upsetting the public was no longer in place and can’t affect the court proceedings.

Kokanovic was charged for allegedly assaulting the police. He is claimed to have driven a tractor which hit several policemen.