Sunday, June 29

Protests have erupted across the Serbian capital of Belgrade once again, sparking chaos across the city as counter-protesters take on anti-government citizens.

Major demonstrations have been taking place in the city for months, with occasional outbursts of protests involving thousands of people. The protests have targeted current Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who has allegedly been participating in various types of crime, including harming his political opponents. They also claim that he has ramped up media restrictions and prevented freedom of speech; Vučić and his administration have strongly denied the allegations, though.

Their primary allegations claim that the Serbian government has been infiltrated by corrupt politicians, including Vučić, which was the belief that began the first round of protests back in December after a train station roof collapse. The train station had recently undergone a renovation, leading locals to believe that the work was made sloppy while officials pocketed the extra cash.

Universities were also shut down and traffic was halted as students stopped classes and blocked highways and roads. However, the government did not take any action, denying all claims of corruption.

Unfortunately, the situation has escalated once again, with the usual demonstrations spiraling into dramatic street fights as anti-government protesters take on Vučić's supporters. Thousands of counter-protesters have spread across the historic avenues of Belgrade, with scenes turning violent when the two crowds come together.

Police have attempted to step in and prevent further conflict, but civilians have attacked authorities as well. People have thrown numerous objects at local police, including rocks and bottles, and at least six police officers have been injured as they try to forcefully contain the mobs. Additionally, dozens of protesters and activists have been arrested, sparking more anger.

The anti-government demonstrators have repeatedly called on Vučić to step down, which would force a snap election that would decide a new president and create a new government. Vučić has refused to do this, though, and he has accused his opponents of trying to topple the government by forcing a snap election.

Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): In 2006, a Coca-Cola employee offered to sell Coca-Cola secrets to Pepsi. However, Pepsi responded by notifying Coca-Cola and authorities.

Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): Don’t confuse luck with skill when judging others, and especially when judging yourself. (Carl Icahn)

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Restive (adj, RES-tiv) - Restive can describe a person or group feeling impatience or uneasiness, or it can describe someone who is stubbornly resistant to control.

In a Sentence: The audience grew increasingly restive as the speaker droned on and on.