A deafening roar of whistles and vuvuzelas echoed through central Belgrade on Saturday as the Serbian capital prepared for a massive rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his administration.
Huge crowds gathered in the city centre for an event seen as the culmination of months of near-daily anti-corruption protests that represent the most serious challenge to Mr Vucic's 13-year rule in Serbia.
Amid rising tensions, police said they had arrested a man who ploughed his car into protesters on the outskirts of Belgrade, injuring three people.
Before the protest, Mr Vucic repeatedly warned of possible plans for unrest, threatening arrests and severe punishment for any incidents.
In an attempt to limit people's participation in the rally, public transport was suspended in Belgrade on Saturday and roads leading to the capital were filled with huge columns of cars.
The transport company said the cancellation was due to “safety concerns”.
Tens of thousands of people held a joyful welcome on Friday evening for students who had walked and biked for days from all over Serbia to Belgrade to take part in the main rally on Saturday afternoon.
From early morning people began to gather in various parts of the city, preparing to march to the center.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
