Civic Group Denied Entry to Assembly, Labeled 'Security Threat'

Delegates from the civic association "Zbor Stari grad" were barred from attending a municipal assembly session, with authorities citing them as a "security threat." The group gathered outside the municipal building to voice concerns about issues affecting residents of the Belgrade municipality.

Representatives of the association were informed via email that their access to the session was denied and that they could only follow the proceedings online. However, three delegates attempted to enter the assembly to pose questions to council members regarding critical topics such as the future of Bajloni market and the Bezistan complex.

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We have tried to enter the session, and this right has been denied to us for several sessions.

"We have tried to enter the session, and this right has been denied to us for several sessions," stated Nataša Pantić, a member of "Zbor Stari grad." She added that their written inquiries about issues like the widespread presence of hate graffiti have gone unanswered. "They tell us here that we are a security threat to the holding of the session."

Reports indicate that the Bajloni market and Staklenac near Republic Square are slated for removal as part of Belgrade's metro construction project. The association claims they and market tenants lack information about these developments, highlighting a perceived lack of transparency from the municipality.

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They tell us here that we are a security threat to the holding of the session.