Thousands of protesters gathered in central Belgrade on September 1 to oppose what they said were government efforts to suppress environmental activists. The demonstration took place outside the headquarters of Radio Television of Serbia (RTS). Protesters called on the broadcaster to publicly address environmental concerns linked to a planned lithium mine.
Demonstration outside RTS headquarters
The demonstrators assembled in Belgrade’s central area and focused their demands on how the issue is covered by RTS. They urged the network to address concerns related to the mine. The protest was organized around opposition to the government’s response to environmental activists, according to participants.
Rio Tinto’s proposed lithium mine in Jadar
Protesters said they oppose a lithium mining project proposed by the Anglo-Australian company Rio Tinto in Jadar, western Serbia. The project is described as being supported by the EU, based on the protesters’ claims. Demonstrators said they fear it could lead to pollution of water and land resources.
They also pointed to environmental conditions in Serbia, saying the country is already dealing with severe environmental degradation. The protest centered on concerns that additional impacts from the planned lithium mine could affect local water and land resources.