Students launch 24-hour traffic blockade in Serbia's capital ahead of weekend election protest
ABC News
A group of university students have launched a 24-hour blockade of a key traffic alley in Serbia’s capital during a New Year holiday rush, as part of days of protests against reported widespread irregularities that marred a recent election
BELGRADE, Serbia -- A group of university students on Friday launched a 24-hour blockade of a main street in Serbia's capital during New Year's holiday rush as protests continued in the troubled Balkan country after reports of irregularities that marred a recent election.
The students set up small tents, tables and chairs, brought food and blankets and played loud music at their makeshift camp near the government headquarters in Belgrade, saying they will stay put until the start of another opposition gathering planned for Saturday.
The student actions triggered a huge traffic gridlock in the capital on Friday.
The rally on Saturday is expected to draw thousands of people as political tensions are running high over the Dec. 17 ballot and subsequent incidents and arrests of opposition supporters at a protest last weekend.
Populist President Aleksandar Vucic has accused the opposition of inciting violence with an aim to overthrow the government under instructions from abroad, which opposition leaders have denied.
