Activists refuse to leave Belgrade City Assembly in protest

The activists filed a request to attend the assembly session which debated changes to the city budget after the city government reported a surplus of funds.

The activists from the Mirijevo neighborhood don’t want the assembly to debate and decide on plans for the Bajdina woods and said they would not leave the hall until the debate is removed from the agenda. They told N1 that there are plans to cut down a large part of the wooded area to build 200 apartment buildings.

Activists and environmental groups gathered in front of the assembly building along with opposition assembly members to protest those plans. Two activists managed to enter the building and tell the assembly councilors that they want the debate removed. An N1 reporter said that Assembly Speaker Nikodijevic ordered a 15 minute break and left the hall visibly angry. He was followed by ruling majority councilors. The session continued after the break.