Latest news with #Serbs
an hour ago
- Politics
Belgrade braces for another anti-government protest, calling for an early parliamentary election
BELGRADE, Serbia -- Belgrade is bracing for yet another student-led protest on Saturday to pressure Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic to call for a snap parliamentary election after nearly eight months of rallies that have rattled his firm grip on power in the Balkan country. Tensions have soared ahead of the protest organized by Serbia's university students, a key force behind nationwide anti-corruption demonstrations that started after a renovated rail station canopy collapsed, killing 16 people on Nov. 1. Many blamed the concrete roof crash on rampant government corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects, leading to recurring mass protests. Vucic and his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party have refused the demand for an early vote and accused protesters of planning to spur violence at orders from abroad, which they didn't specify. In a show of business as usual, the Serbian president handed out presidential awards in the capital to people, including artists and journalists, he deemed worthy, as his loyalists, camping in a park in central Belgrade, announced they would hold a 'literary evening.' 'People need not worry — the state will be defended and thugs brought to justice," Vucic told reporters on Saturday. Serbian presidential and parliamentary elections are due in 2027. Saturday marks St. Vitus Day, a religious holiday and the date when Serbs mark a 14th-century battle against Ottoman Turks in Kosovo that was the start of hundreds of years of Turkish rule, holding symbolic importance. Police earlier this week arrested several people accused of allegedly plotting to overthrow the government and banned entry into the country to several people from Croatia and a theatre director from Montenegro without explanation. Serbia's railway company halted train service over an alleged bomb threat in what critics said was an apparent bid to prevent people from traveling to Belgrade for the rally. Authorities made similar moves back in March, ahead of what was the biggest ever anti-government protest in the Balkan country, which drew hundreds of thousands of people. Vucic's loyalists then set up a camp in a park outside his office, which still stands. The otherwise peaceful gathering on March 15 came to an abrupt end when part of the crowd suddenly scattered in panic, triggering allegations that authorities used a sonic weapon against peaceful protesters, which they have denied. Vucic, a former extreme nationalist, has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power over a decade ago. Though he formally says he wants Serbia to join the European Union, critics say Vucic has stifled democratic freedoms as he strengthened ties with Russia and China.
San Francisco Chronicle
2 hours ago
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Belgrade braces for another anti-government protest, calling for an early parliamentary election
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Belgrade is bracing for yet another student-led protest on Saturday to pressure Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic to call for a snap parliamentary election after nearly eight months of rallies that have rattled his firm grip on power in the Balkan country. Tensions have soared ahead of the protest organized by Serbia's university students, a key force behind nationwide anti-corruption demonstrations that started after a renovated rail station canopy collapsed, killing 16 people on Nov. 1. Many blamed the concrete roof crash on rampant government corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects, leading to recurring mass protests. Vucic and his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party have refused the demand for an early vote and accused protesters of planning to spur violence at orders from abroad, which they didn't specify. In a show of business as usual, the Serbian president handed out presidential awards in the capital to people, including artists and journalists, he deemed worthy, as his loyalists, camping in a park in central Belgrade, announced they would hold a 'literary evening.' 'People need not worry — the state will be defended and thugs brought to justice," Vucic told reporters on Saturday. Serbian presidential and parliamentary elections are due in 2027. Saturday marks St. Vitus Day, a religious holiday and the date when Serbs mark a 14th-century battle against Ottoman Turks in Kosovo that was the start of hundreds of years of Turkish rule, holding symbolic importance. Police earlier this week arrested several people accused of allegedly plotting to overthrow the government and banned entry into the country to several people from Croatia and a theatre director from Montenegro without explanation. Serbia's railway company halted train service over an alleged bomb threat in what critics said was an apparent bid to prevent people from traveling to Belgrade for the rally. Authorities made similar moves back in March, ahead of what was the biggest ever anti-government protest in the Balkan country, which drew hundreds of thousands of people. Vucic's loyalists then set up a camp in a park outside his office, which still stands. The otherwise peaceful gathering on March 15 came to an abrupt end when part of the crowd suddenly scattered in panic, triggering allegations that authorities used a sonic weapon against peaceful protesters, which they have denied. Vucic, a former extreme nationalist, has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power over a decade ago. Though he formally says he wants Serbia to join the European Union, critics say Vucic has stifled democratic freedoms as he strengthened ties with Russia and China.
Hamilton Spectator
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Belgrade braces for another anti-government protest, calling for an early parliamentary election
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Belgrade is bracing for yet another student-led protest on Saturday to pressure Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic to call for a snap parliamentary election after nearly eight months of rallies that have rattled his firm grip on power in the Balkan country. Tensions have soared ahead of the protest organized by Serbia's university students, a key force behind nationwide anti-corruption demonstrations that started after a renovated rail station canopy collapsed, killing 16 people on Nov. 1. Many blamed the concrete roof crash on rampant government corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects, leading to recurring mass protests. Vucic and his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party have refused the demand for an early vote and accused protesters of planning to spur violence at orders from abroad, which they didn't specify. In a show of business as usual, the Serbian president handed out presidential awards in the capital to people, including artists and journalists, he deemed worthy, as his loyalists, camping in a park in central Belgrade, announced they would hold a 'literary evening.' 'People need not worry — the state will be defended and thugs brought to justice,' Vucic told reporters on Saturday. Serbian presidential and parliamentary elections are due in 2027. Saturday marks St. Vitus Day, a religious holiday and the date when Serbs mark a 14th-century battle against Ottoman Turks in Kosovo that was the start of hundreds of years of Turkish rule, holding symbolic importance. Police earlier this week arrested several people accused of allegedly plotting to overthrow the government and banned entry into the country to several people from Croatia and a theatre director from Montenegro without explanation. Serbia's railway company halted train service over an alleged bomb threat in what critics said was an apparent bid to prevent people from traveling to Belgrade for the rally. Authorities made similar moves back in March, ahead of what was the biggest ever anti-government protest in the Balkan country, which drew hundreds of thousands of people. Vucic's loyalists then set up a camp in a park outside his office, which still stands. The otherwise peaceful gathering on March 15 came to an abrupt end when part of the crowd suddenly scattered in panic, triggering allegations that authorities used a sonic weapon against peaceful protesters , which they have denied. Vucic, a former extreme nationalist, has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power over a decade ago. Though he formally says he wants Serbia to join the European Union, critics say Vucic has stifled democratic freedoms as he strengthened ties with Russia and China. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Belgrade braces for another anti-government protest, calling for an early parliamentary election
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Belgrade is bracing for yet another student-led protest on Saturday to pressure Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic to call for a snap parliamentary election after nearly eight months of rallies that have rattled his firm grip on power in the Balkan country. Tensions have soared ahead of the protest organized by Serbia's university students, a key force behind nationwide anti-corruption demonstrations that started after a renovated rail station canopy collapsed, killing 16 people on Nov. 1. Many blamed the concrete roof crash on rampant government corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects, leading to recurring mass protests. Vucic and his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party have refused the demand for an early vote and accused protesters of planning to spur violence at orders from abroad, which they didn't specify. In a show of business as usual, the Serbian president handed out presidential awards in the capital to people, including artists and journalists, he deemed worthy, as his loyalists, camping in a park in central Belgrade, announced they would hold a 'literary evening.' 'People need not worry — the state will be defended and thugs brought to justice,' Vucic told reporters on Saturday. Serbian presidential and parliamentary elections are due in 2027. Saturday marks St. Vitus Day, a religious holiday and the date when Serbs mark a 14th-century battle against Ottoman Turks in Kosovo that was the start of hundreds of years of Turkish rule, holding symbolic importance. Police earlier this week arrested several people accused of allegedly plotting to overthrow the government and banned entry into the country to several people from Croatia and a theatre director from Montenegro without explanation. Serbia's railway company halted train service over an alleged bomb threat in what critics said was an apparent bid to prevent people from traveling to Belgrade for the rally. Authorities made similar moves back in March, ahead of what was the biggest ever anti-government protest in the Balkan country, which drew hundreds of thousands of people. Vucic's loyalists then set up a camp in a park outside his office, which still stands. The otherwise peaceful gathering on March 15 came to an abrupt end when part of the crowd suddenly scattered in panic, triggering allegations that authorities used a sonic weapon against peaceful protesters, which they have denied. Vucic, a former extreme nationalist, has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power over a decade ago. Though he formally says he wants Serbia to join the European Union, critics say Vucic has stifled democratic freedoms as he strengthened ties with Russia and China.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Conference League side look to ‘tempt' ex-Kilmarnock star Danny Armstrong as he attracts interest at home and abroad
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JAGIELLONIA BIALYSTOK are trying to put together a deal to tempt Danny Armstrong. SunSport can reveal the Polish team want to tempt the winger in time for the start of their season. 3 Former Kilmarnock man Daniel Armstrong has attracted interest at home and abroad Credit: Kenny Ramsay 3 He could play in the Conference League with Polish team Jagiellonia Bialystok Credit: Getty Winger Armstrong, 27, is a free agent after quitting Kilmarnock following four years there. His availability has attracted interest from home and abroad and Jagiellonia are exploring ways they can attract him. They are bossed by Adrian Siemieniec, who became the youngest ever boss in Poland's top flight when he took charge at the age of 31 two years ago. He already had a decade's experience of coaching after retiring from playing early because he felt he wouldn't be good enough to make the grade as a professional. Siemieniec steered Jagiellonia to a third-placed finish in the Ekstraklasa and they take on Serbs Novi Pazar in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round first leg on July 24. They open up their league campaign with a visit from Bruk-Bet Termalica on July 18. Back before the most recent winter window then-Killie manager Derek McInnes stood firm on the winger's price tag, knocking back bids from European teams and batting off interest from his own new team Hearts. With his contract into the last six months teams could have tried to lure him with a pre-contract agreement but nothing came to fruition. He's recently revealed his decision to stick around for the final year was largely to do with his new-born daughter. Now that he's departing he also added: 'It's been the best ten months of my life, having Darby here, and I wouldn't change it. Derek McInnes spotted leaving Rugby Park for last time as Kilmarnock fans thank ex-manager 3 Armstrong said the birth of his daughter at the start of last season made him want to stay put Credit: SNS Group 'Now it's time to get the move spot on so I can raise her where I want to raise her, and I can let my partner settle and give her that certainty because it's difficult for everyone involved. 'I've had options from all over the world but it's about it being the right one. Myself and my partner are all on the same page. Armstrong notched 26 goals and 35 assists in his time at Rugby Park, picking up a Championship title and playing in Europe along the way. He wouldn't be the first to make a direct move between the SPFL and the Polish outfit. The red and yellow team currently have former Livingston goalkeeper Max Stryjek on their books. Other recent Scottish links to Jagiellonia include Patryk Klimala, who was brought to Celtic from them, and Ziggy Gordon who moved there after playing for Partick Thistle and Hamilton Accies. Cillian Sheridan, formerly of Killie, Celtic and a host of other Scottish clubs also plied his trade there between 2017 and 2019. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
