Usce roundabout blocked: Zemun and New Belgrade groups protest aquarium construction

Protests erupted at Usce in Belgrade as citizens from Zemun and New Belgrade voiced strong opposition to the planned construction of an aquarium. The demonstration led to the blockage of a traffic circle near a shopping center, disrupting local traffic and drawing a significant police presence.

Organizers, including members of the Zemun and New Belgrade citizens' groups, along with participants from "Trčim za studente" (I Run for Students), activists from "Naš protest - naš RTS" (Our Protest - Our RTS), and the "Stari Grad" group, gathered to make their voices heard. They intend to deliver speeches at the Usce site, emphasizing their commitment to halting the project.

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We plan to sue the Secretariat because of this decision.

The protest is fueled by concerns over the project's approval process and potential environmental impact. Vesna Cvetanović from the Zemun group stated that a complaint has been filed against the preparatory works permit issued by the Secretariat for Urbanism. She also indicated that they are considering legal action against the Secretariat for its decision, signaling a determined effort to challenge the aquarium's development.

Concerns linger about potential police overreach, with Cvetanović noting the presence of traffic police and plainclothes officers. She expressed uncertainty about whether the situation might mirror past events in February, which involved alleged forceful dispersal and arrests of citizens in the Usce park. The protesters aim to prevent or at least delay the construction, focusing their actions on the specific location designated for the aquarium.

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We cannot know if it will be the same scenario as in February when they chased citizens through Usce park, beat and arrested students.