Gatherings of "citizens opposing the blockades" began in several cities in Serbia today at 18.30:XNUMX p.m., and were called for on social media and in pro-government media by representatives of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), claiming that it was not partisan.
Pro-government television station Informer announced tonight that rallies are being held in 75 cities and municipalities across Serbia.
"All those who are against the blockades, which have been paralyzing the state and society for months, will gather today at the same time throughout Serbia and will all send the same message - 'Enough is enough'," it says on the television's website.
Paraćin, Bela Palanaka, Stara Pazova, Žitište, Novi Kneževac, Sombor, Sečanj, Ub, Bor, Bosilegrad, Ruma, Bačka Palanka, Leskovac, Kikinda, Petrovac na Mlavi, Kruševac, Inđija, Doljevac, Vranjačka Banja... are some of the places where the gatherings are held.
"Citizens against blockades", "I want my Serbia back", are some of the banners at these rallies, whose participants carry national flags.
N1 television reported that at the rally in Vrbas, those gathered were carrying banners with the inscriptions "I want life", "Peace yes, blockades no", "Peaceful day, free Serbia", balloons and Serbian flags.
During the rally, individuals brought these banners, balloons and Serbian flags out of the SNS premises located in the Cultural Center building and distributed them to those gathered.
The gathered people stand quietly while music plays from the SNS premises.
Under the slogan "We want our lives," SNS supporters gathered in Obrenovac, and after listening to music in the square, they went for a walk through the main streets of Obrenovac.
Gendarmerie units are present on the streets, as well as people with "red berets" and bikers.
Several GSP vehicles were parked near the square, and a large number of citizens got out of them, N1 reports.
The previous rallies, held on Wednesday, August 20th, were officially organized by the non-governmental (and initially gongo) organization Center for Social Stability.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated at the time that gatherings were held in around 50 towns and villages in Serbia, and that these were "not gatherings against 'blockadeers', but against blockades."
Interior Minister Ivica Dačić stated that "gatherings of citizens opposing the blockades" were held in 49 places in Serbia and that, according to police estimates, around 33.000 people were present.
Independent sources and professional media reported a significantly smaller number of people gathered.
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