RTS: Arrests following right-wing protest

protest desničara predsedništvo Damjan Knežević
REUTERS/Zorana Jevtic

The Serbian state TV (RTS) said on Thursday that the police was making arrests following threats against President Aleksandar Vucic at a protest in front of the presidency building.

The RTS quoted unnamed sources who confirmed earlier reports of arrests.

The Serbian Internal Affairs Ministry confirmed that three people had been arrested for calling for the violent overthrow of the government and for arms possession.

Speaking after an urgent meeting with the heads of the Internal Affairs Ministry and security agencies prompted by the protest, Vucic said that the state will react to violence quickly, efficiently and responsibly.

His words were echoed by the Higher Public Prosecution in Belgrade that said no forms of extremism would be tolerated nor would threats against top state officials. Higher Public Prosecutor Nenad Stefanovic said that his office would prosecute anyone who makes threats against top state officials as well as members of extremist groups jeopardizing public safety.

Justice Minister Maja Popovic said in a press release that the extremist groups protesting in front of the presidency tried to destabilize the country by calling for a violent overthrow of state bodies and added that the state is capable of dealing with extremism and maintain order.