Protesters intervened in Serbia

Following a call by opposition parties in the "Serbia Against Violence" coalition to protest against "election theft," thousands of people gathered in front of the Republic Election Commission (RIK) building in the capital.

The protesters, who called for the elections in the country to be repeated, marched from there to the Belgrade City Assembly building. Protesters threw torches at the City Assembly building and broke the building's doors, windows, and a security camera. Police, who tried to prevent entry into the building, intervened against the protesters with tear gas.

Miroslav Aleksic, one of the leaders of the "Serbia Against Violence" coalition, made a statement there, calling on the police "not to harm the protesters, but to protect them."

Vucic thanks foreign intelligence for timely intervention

President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the nation following the tension, announcing that law enforcement agencies had the situation under control.

Telling Serbian citizens not to worry, Vucic said, "I know the images are extremely dramatic; we are not used to our windows being broken or someone wanting to destroy our home. Do not worry, because there is no such thing as a revolution."

Emphasizing that all necessary steps would be taken regarding those responsible for the events of this evening, Vucic stated, "There were a total of 1,195 people, including those who wanted to break down the assembly door this evening. Some showed their true faces. They proved that they approach those they oppose politically with violence. We have been trying to explain this for days."

Stating that they had received calls from thousands of people ready to come to Belgrade to protect the country, Vucic said, "Please stay in your homes. Serbia is a strong country that can protect itself and its institutions. Let us protect our country's sovereignty and independence. Let us protect Serbia's freedom. I call on you all to maintain peace."

Vucic stated, "I thank the foreign intelligence services that clearly knew what was being prepared. In light of the information they provided to our intelligence service, we were fully aware of what was being planned, and therefore, the intervention was made just in time. Those who claim to be against violence have shown what they really are. We will not allow them to destroy our country."

It was noted that protests are expected to take place at many points in Belgrade tomorrow.

Meanwhile, according to the unofficial results announced by the RIK, the "Aleksandar Vucic - Serbia Must Not Stop" coalition, led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) which has been in power since 2012 and is supported by President Vucic, finished the election in the lead.

News Source: AA