PM Vucevic: Storming of City Hall example of political terror

Opposition city assembly councilors blocked Novi Sad City Hall on Friday, clashing with police in riot gear who then pushed them out of the building.

The prime minister described the flag featuring a bloodstained hand that the opposition councilors brought into the City Hall, as a “rag with satanic symbols.” The red hand symbol has been used by protesters calling for accountability for the deaths of 15 people killed by a collapsed roof at Novi Sad Train Station on November 1.

“The City Hall is the place where the mayor works with his staff. It is not a building where assembly members or councilors gather, it is not the city, provincial, or national assembly. Everything they did - those who are always present when violent incidents happen, those who promote and try to carry out violence - is a true reflection of how they see politics and of their attitude toward the city and the entire country,” said Vucevic.

He expressed his belief that state authorities will take all legal measures and procedures “without hesitation, without considering what the reaction on social media or in some media outlets might be.”

The prime minister noted that there are many people who have come to Serbia from abroad but “who are not here as tourists.”

He said he hopes “the injured student recovers quickly and returns to her university to continue studying with her colleagues,” and wished a “quick recovery and normal life for the older woman who suffered torture in Novi Sad.”

“I also appeal to anyone organizing gatherings…, a lawful gathering cannot block an intersection, a bridge… but please inform the police so they can ensure the safety of all participants. No one will forbid you, no one will deny your right to assembly, even though that is not in line with the law,” said Vucevic.

He said that the driver of the car that hit the law school student in Belgrade on Thursday is a criminal and was immediately arrested.

The prime minister reiterated that “Serbia must move on.”

“We must not allow for the (November 1 Novi Sad train station) tragedy we experienced to result in lawlessness and collapse of the state. This is a matter of seriousness and responsibility of this generation toward future generations…Serbia must not be stopped. Serbia must move forward, develop,” he said.

Vucevic also complained that “the offices of the (ruling) Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) are constantly being destroyed.”

He called on the police and courts to “do their job, not in line with politics, but by respecting the Constitution and laws,” and added that the same laws should apply to everyone.