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Valjevo Protests Escalate, Government Dismisses Officials, Media Shake-up Looms

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Significant developments unfolded today, marked by escalating protests in Valjevo where citizens demanded accountability for police brutality. The demonstration saw apprehensions and a criminal complaint filed against one participant, alongside a concerning incident where a car attempted to drive through the crowd, resulting in assaults.

Adding to the day's major news, the government of Đuro Macut dismissed Vladan Djokic, the Rector of the University of Belgrade, and two other officials from key state management boards. Concurrently, the media landscape is facing a potential shake-up as Alpac Capital is reportedly taking over independent media outlets N1 and Nova S, with editorial and staff changes anticipated.

Other notable stories include a stabbing in New Belgrade involving a man with reported ties to the criminal group led by Veljko Belivuk, and an announcement by Nebojša Stefanović that all homicides in Belgrade since the beginning of the year have been solved. Discussions around minimum wage increases and systemic social injustice also gained prominence.

Top stories

Valjevo Protest Escalates with Arrests and Car Incident

A large protest in Valjevo, marking the anniversary of police brutality, saw students and citizens demand accountability for the violence. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported approximately 3,500 attendees at the unregistered gathering, with 11 participants apprehended and a criminal complaint to be filed against one. Further escalating tensions, a car attempted to drive through the protest crowd, with a man exiting the vehicle and assaulting three individuals.

Government Dismisses Officials from State Boards

The government of Đuro Macut has removed Vladan Djokic, Rector of the University of Belgrade, Nebojsa Bojovic, and Dejan Filipovic from their positions on the management boards of the Institute for Architecture and the Agency for Spatial Planning, among other key state institutions.

Media Landscape Faces Takeover by Alpac Capital

Cenzolovka reports that Alpac Capital is in the process of acquiring independent media outlets in Serbia, specifically mentioning N1 and Nova S. This takeover is expected to lead to significant editorial and staff changes within these media organizations.

Stabbing in New Belgrade Linked to Organized Crime

A man was stabbed in New Belgrade, suffering injuries to his neck, chest, and arm. He was later identified as having previous ties to Veljko Belivuk, the leader of a notorious criminal group currently on trial for serious crimes. The victim reportedly remained silent to the police regarding the attacker.

Economic and Social Justice Concerns Highlighted

An analysis explores the implications of a proposed minimum wage increase to 600 euros, particularly for teacher salaries. Concurrently, the A11 Initiative asserts that poverty in Serbia is a systemic social injustice, exacerbated by high living costs and restrictive social welfare policies, citing a lack of political will to address these issues.

President Vučić Criticized for Campaign Tactics

President Aleksandar Vučić is facing criticism for allegedly using the personal struggle of a mother with a sick child for campaign clips broadcast on television and social media.

N1 Vučić Uses Campaign Without End or Limits: Mother's Struggle for Sick Child… ↗

Persistent Wildfires Across Serbia

Serbia continues to battle numerous wildfires, with 25 active blazes reported across the country. The situation on the Stolovi mountain remains unchanged, indicating an ongoing challenge for fire suppression efforts.

Insajder 25 wildfires active in Serbia, situation on Stolovi unchanged ↗

Zvezdara Neighborhood Without Water for 15 Days

Residents in a Zvezdara neighborhood have been without water for a prolonged period of 15 days. Despite this, the local water utility company has reportedly informed affected residents that the issue is 'solved' for them before terminating communication.

N1 Part of Zvezdara Without Water for 15 Days; Vodovod Claims Problem is 'Solved' ↗

Serbia's Arms Sales to Ukraine Exceed One Billion Euros

Over the past decade, Serbia's sales of weaponry to Ukraine have surpassed one billion euros. This trade involved various export mechanisms, including alleged deception.