Serbian farmers begin protests, block roads

On Friday, they stood together with citizens in silent tribute for 15 minutes to honor the victims of the November 1 Novi Sad train station tragedy, which claimed the lives of 15 people and left two others seriously injured.

The farmers involved in the blockade have expressed support for ongoing student protests. Several farmers’ associations across Serbia decided at the beginning of the week to initiate their protest action on Friday, December 13.

“We call on all farmers and associations to support this decision and demonstrate solidarity in this joint struggle,” the associations said.

In addition to their demands for reinstatement, the farmers are calling for criminal accountability and the removal of Parliamentary Agricultural Committee Chairman Marijan Risticevic, Agriculture Minister Aleksandar Martinovic, and Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, who had reportedly guaranteed that previous agreements with the farmers would be honored.

The protesting associations said on Thursday that members of the Serbian Government are attempting to find individuals willing to betray and divide the farming community.

“We want to inform the public that the Ministry and Government have begun making calls and attempts to manipulate individuals in order to find those willing to betray and divide farmers. This is yet another attempt to mislead and divide our community,” the associations said. They noted that during a recent meeting, it was agreed that no negotiations would take place with the government unless all parties consented.

“Anyone who chooses to enter into negotiations with the Ministry of Agriculture or the Serbian Government without the agreement of their colleagues will be considered a traitor to the fight for our shared rights and interests,” said the farmers.