Opposition protesters are girding for more demonstrations in Serbia, targeting President Aleksandr Vucic whom they accuse of stifling media freedoms and suppressing the opposition.
The January 11 action is the latest in a series of protests against Vucic.
The demonstrations were triggered last month when thugs beat up opposition politician Borko Stefanovic.
Last week, an estimated 15,000 protesters marched in Belgrade, chanting "Vucic, thief!" and waving banners that read "Stop the Treason, Defend the Constitution and Back the People."
For many protesters, the assault on Stefanovic echoed attacks on political opponents in the 1990s under the rule of late Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic.
An umbrella group of opposition parties called the Alliance for Serbia blamed Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party for the attack on Stefanovic.
Authorities denied involvement.
A former nationalist, Vucic now is guiding Serbia toward membership in the European Union. He has also sought to maintain ties with traditional ally Russia and to develop relations with China.
The European Commission last year raised concerns about media freedoms in Serbia, denouncing threats, intimidation and violence against journalists.
Serbia Girds For More Opposition Protests Against Vucic
With reporting by RFE/RL's Balkan Service and AFP
Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
Exclusive: Early Peace Plan Shows Russia's Intent To Neutralize Ukraine
2What Can The World Expect From Trump 2.0?
3Ukraine Live Briefing: Incursion Into The North Caucasus
4Pro-Western Sandu Wins Second Term As Moldovan President
5Russia Shows Off Purported U.S. National Snatched From Ukraine Spy Work
6Amnesty Calls For Release Of Iranian Woman Who Removed Clothes In Protest
7China In Eurasia Briefing: What A Trump Win Means For China
8U.S. Warns Iran It Can't 'Hold Israel Back' If New Attack Launched, Axios Reports
9Ukraine's Forces Are Dangerously Stretched. Will North Korean Troops Break Them?
10How Will The U.S. Election Impact Washington's Iran Policy?
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
