Farmers protests ongoing throughout Serbia May 17; further protests likely. Heightened security, road transport disruptions likely.
Farmers are staging protests on major roads and highways nationwide, particularly in the country’s northern Vojvodina Region, on May 17. Although many have concluded, disruptions due to blockades and go-slow protests are continuing on several roads, including in Subotica and Banovina, as well as on the Zrenjanin-Novi Sad Highway (12), the Bavaniste-Pancevo Road, and roads near Kraljevo in southern Serbia. Further farmers’ protests are likely in town centers and on major roads nationwide in the coming days.
Additional police will deploy to monitor and facilitate the protests. The demonstrations themselves and associated security measures, including likely road closures and movement restrictions, will result in significant transport disruptions. Public transport services in the affected areas will likely be canceled or diverted. The actions are likely to pass off peacefully, but isolated clashes between protesters and security services, or with disgruntled commuters, cannot be ruled out.
Advice
If possible, avoid the demonstrations as a routine security precaution. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Do not attempt to pass through any roadblocks. Check for traffic and public transport disruptions before beginning journeys and allow extra time to reach destinations if traveling by road nationwide.
Source: Crisis24
