Tens of thousands gather in Serbia in Vucic’s show of power

Tens of thousands gathered in the center of Belgrade on Friday in support of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in a show of power following big anti-government protests over two mass shootings that killed 18 people earlier this month.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and secessionist Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik were among the speakers at the “Serbia of Hope” rally which drew busloads of people from around Serbia and neighbouring Bosnia and North Macedonia.
On May 3, a teenage boy killed nine pupils and a security guard in the first school mass shooting in Serbia. A day later, a 21-year-old man killed eight outside Belgrade, which triggered deep dissatisfaction and protests.
The protestors, supported by the opposition parties, say the government led by Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has failed to rein in media that have promoted violence and to act against criminal elements in society.