Belgrade, 11 August 2024 (MIA) - Addressing the nation over the lithium-mining protests and blockades in Belgrade, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said that the protest at the Terazije central square of the Serbian capital took place in a democratic atmosphere, unlike the blockades of the two main railway stations, which he assessed as violence, announcing that he would talk to the people across Serbia about the lithium mining, MIA's Belgrade correspondent reports. 

"The gathering itself took place in a democratic atmosphere, which is very important for our country, everything was as it should be in democratic countries. However, as the gathering ended, what we expected happened because when you threaten every day, there is a situation where violence prevails and that is commission of serious crimes. Occupying the international railway station 'Prokop', the New Belgrade railway station, blocking the highway and the work on the 'Gazela' bridge itself, was not a contribution to democracy, but a mockery of democracy as a political regime and the implementation of violence and terror against the minority," said Vučić. 

On the protests against lithium mining and the company Rio Tinto, he pointed out that the goal is destruction of Serbian economy, noting that blocking the economy is not the solution, but the solution is talks which have been refused by those who were now protesting. He added that he will go to every place and talk to the people across Serbia. 

"We will talk to the people. I will go to Loznica and Krupanj, I will go to every place. And I'm not going to do big rallies to show you how many people I can gather. I will go talk to those who think differently, to ordinary people, to talk about their fears. Do people in Serbia really think that I am stupid and crazy to do something against my country and my people?," Vučić said. 

He added that the police intervention was carried out without the use of force.

Minister Ivica Dačić, who addressed the nation alongside Vučić, said the Ministry of Interior has created conditions for the operation of railway traffic without the use of force.  

He also said that 14 people have been detained, as well as two foreign citizens, against whom criminal and misdemeanour charges will be filed.

Photo: EPA