Serbia: Hunger Strike and Protests Erupt Over Activist Detentions

Serbia: Protests Erupt Over Extended Detention of Activists, Hunger Strike Underway Belgrade, Serbia – Widespread protests are gripping Serbia following a court decision to extend the pre-trial detention of six activists, including prominent professor Marija Vasic, for another month. The activists are accused of planning an attack on state institutions. Professor Vasic, who has been on a hunger strike for three days, has been transferred to a prison hospital in Belgrade. Her husband, David, expressed deep concern, stating, "She is in very bad shape and can't even stand." This action has sparked demonstrations in several cities, including Novi Sad, Nis, Belgrade, and Kragujevac. In Nis, a war veteran was arrested after attempting to mediate between protesters and police. The video footage shows the intensity of the protests and the police response. The ongoing situation raises serious questions about freedom of speech and the rights of political dissidents in Serbia. The protests highlight the deep-seated political divisions within the country.