Serbia Tactical: Anti-government protests to be held in Belgrade, Novi Sad at 20:00 (local time) on August 4; avoid nonessential travel

Aug 2025

12:26 UTC

On August 4, two anti-government protests are slated to be held in Belgrade and Novi Sad.

In Belgrade, multiple citizen groups, including Zbor Cetiri Mesnezajednice Zvezdare and Zvezdara Zbor, will hold a protest at Spomenik Vuku Karadzicu at 20:00 (local time).

In Novi Sad, a protest will be held at Futoska pijaca at 20:00.
The protests are being organized to denounce the authorities for their handling of civic space, alleged suppression of local initiatives, and lack of accountability.

Based on precedent, coupled with the social media estimates, the protests are likely to draw turnouts ranging from mid hundreds to low thousands, with the protest in Novi Sad expected to garner the largest turnout.
Given heightened political and societal tensions, these protests carry an elevated risk of unrest, particularly in the form of clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. This risk is especially heightened, should student groups join the protests.
There is also a possibility of infiltration by pro-government actors aiming to instigate violence and discredit the anti-government movement. Should protesters block surrounding roads, the likelihood of clashes with frustrated commuters will also increase. In addition, the potential for counter-protests by pro-government groups cannot be ruled out. Based on previous incidents, there remains an elevated threat of targeted attacks against demonstrators, including vehicular ramming.
As such, a bolstered security presence in the vicinity of the abovementioned protest locations to monitor proceedings. In case of escalating unrest, authorities are likely to resort to forcible dispersal measures, including conducting arrests and using batons on protesters.
Significant disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular movement should be anticipated in the vicinity of protest locations from the evening hours onwards.

Those operating or residing in Belgrade or Novi Sad on August 4 are advised to avoid nonessential travel near the protest locations due to the heightened risk of unrest at the slated anti-government protests.
Allot for associated disruptions to travel from evening hours onwards.

Low

Belgrade & Novi Sad, Serbia

High

Credible

On August 4, two anti-government protests are slated to be held in Belgrade and Novi Sad.

In Belgrade, multiple citizen groups, including Zbor Cetiri Mesnezajednice Zvezdare and Zvezdara Zbor, will hold a protest at Spomenik Vuku Karadzicu at 20:00 (local time).

In Novi Sad, a protest will be held at Futoska pijaca at 20:00.
The protests are being organized to denounce the authorities for their handling of civic space, alleged suppression of local initiatives, and lack of accountability.

Based on precedent, coupled with the social media estimates, the protests are likely to draw turnouts ranging from mid hundreds to low thousands, with the protest in Novi Sad expected to garner the largest turnout.
Given heightened political and societal tensions, these protests carry an elevated risk of unrest, particularly in the form of clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. This risk is especially heightened, should student groups join the protests.
There is also a possibility of infiltration by pro-government actors aiming to instigate violence and discredit the anti-government movement. Should protesters block surrounding roads, the likelihood of clashes with frustrated commuters will also increase. In addition, the potential for counter-protests by pro-government groups cannot be ruled out. Based on previous incidents, there remains an elevated threat of targeted attacks against demonstrators, including vehicular ramming.
As such, a bolstered security presence in the vicinity of the abovementioned protest locations to monitor proceedings. In case of escalating unrest, authorities are likely to resort to forcible dispersal measures, including conducting arrests and using batons on protesters.
Significant disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular movement should be anticipated in the vicinity of protest locations from the evening hours onwards.

Those operating or residing in Belgrade or Novi Sad on August 4 are advised to avoid nonessential travel near the protest locations due to the heightened risk of unrest at the slated anti-government protests.
Allot for associated disruptions to travel from evening hours onwards.

Low

Belgrade & Novi Sad, Serbia

High

Credible

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