Protests and demonstrations occurred across multiple cities in Serbia, including Nis, Novi Sad, and Subotica, on August 17th, following the arrest of students in Nis. In Nis, citizens gathered near the SPS headquarters, with police reportedly blocking access to the city for vehicles without local license plates. The protests are fueled by a reported crackdown on dissent, with citizens expressing solidarity with arrested students. In Novi Sad, a protest column led by students began its march towards the courthouse. Meanwhile, in Subotica, a large gathering of people was observed heading towards the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) headquarters. The village of Besenovo reported a significant political shift, with the SNS losing local elections 3-0, leading to a council composed entirely of independent candidates, marking Besenovo as one of the first "free villages" in Serbia. Reports from Nis indicate that police actions were aimed at arresting citizens and bringing in their own forces, while also influencing the atmosphere in the city, with specific mentions of media outlets Pink and Informer. Some citizens in Nis are reportedly gathered across the street from a police station, with access points blocked. These events signal widespread public discontent and organized opposition to the current political climate.
