Protests, road blocks across Belgrade, Novi Sad

The biggest crowds gathered in front of the central courthouse in Belgrade and at the university campus in Novi Sad. The crowd in Belgrade demanded the release of the students and later moved to block the Gazela bridge which is part of an international highway through the Serbian capital. The bridge on the road between Belgrade and Pancevo was also blocked as were a number of main roads and intersections

The Internal Affairs Ministry (MUP) said on Monday morning that all the road blocks were removed overnight. The state TV (RTS) said that the 8 students who were arrested were recorded planning to break into institutions and attempt to overthrow the authorities.

President Aleksandar Vucic told a news conference on Sunday that everyone who tries to overthrow the government will be arrested but added that the authorities should not take revenge. He said he would not pardon anyone.

The Go Change Movement said on Monday morning that the police arrested several people in the Vozdovac neighborhood overnight while clearing a road block.

A Gendarmerie detachment in combat uniforms and riot gear was deployed with their Hummer armored vehicles at the Zeleni Venac intersection early on Monday morning as part of what the MUP said was a “highly professional” operation to remove the roadblocks. A student social media post called the public to withdraw “calmly without panic” once those special police forces were brought in.

The MUP press release said that a number of arrests were made and the RTS reported that more than 70 people were arrested and 30 ordered held.