Serbia: Thousands of environmentalists protest against new expropriation law

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"People over profit": Demonstrators paralyzed traffic in central locations in more than 50 cities

Photo: ZORANA JEVTIC / REUTERS

Thousands of environmentalists blocked bridges, highways and roads across Serbia for the second time in a row on Saturday.

The participants paralyzed traffic on the Belgrade city motorway, on the most important Danube bridge in Novi Sad in northern Serbia and in central locations in 52 other cities in the country.

The environmentalists protested against a referendum law passed last month that makes it difficult to protest against environmentally harmful projects.

Also against a new expropriation law, which makes it easier for the state to acquire private land.

According to the protesters, the law will favor large investors.

Further road blockades announced

The protest was also directed against the planned mining of lithium in Loznica in western Serbia by the British-Australian mining company Rio Tinto.

Environmentalists fear that the projects could pollute soil and water in Serbia.

The demonstrators demanded the unconditional withdrawal of the two laws and announced further road blockades.

The nationwide actions lasted two hours.

The organization called "Kreni promeni" (Start the Change).

A week ago there had already been actions by environmentalists.

The demonstrations were largely uneventful.

Only in Novi Sad did black-clad and masked soccer ultras attack the rally with stones.

They also mistreated a group of students.

Football ultras are often controlled by the secret service in Serbia.

ime / dpa / Reuters