Serbia Evacuates Multiple Schools Following Bomb Threats
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Loading... - amie jasmine
- 18 May 2023
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In response to bomb threats received in the wake of two recent mass shootings that claimed the lives of 18 individuals, the Serbian Education Ministry took action on Wednesday by evacuating over 100 schools in the capital city of Belgrade. Early that morning, 78 elementary schools and 37 high schools in Belgrade were alerted via email about alleged explosive devices planted on their premises. As a precautionary measure, classes were postponed and students were swiftly evacuated while the police thoroughly inspected the buildings.
Thus far, no reports have indicated the discovery of any bombs within the schools, and the police are yet to release their official findings. It is worth noting that similar threats have been previously sent to school addresses in Serbia and neighboring countries, and in each instance, they were found to be false alarms.
However, these threats serve to exacerbate existing concerns about security following the tragic shootings on May 3 and May 4, which resulted in the deaths of 10 people and left 21 injured. In response, authorities have already deployed police forces to schools and initiated stricter gun control measures.
The initial shooting occurred at a central Belgrade elementary school when a 13-year-old boy obtained his father's firearm and began firing. The following day, a 20-year-old individual indiscriminately shot at people in two villages south of Belgrade, resulting in eight fatalities.
These shootings have deeply shocked the nation of Serbia, prompting widespread demands for immediate action. In response, tens of thousands of individuals participated in two protests against violence, and additional demonstrations are scheduled for Friday.
Opposition parties are calling for the resignation of the Ministers of Interior and the intelligence chief. They also seek the revocation of nationwide broadcast licenses for two pro-government networks due to their broadcast of violent content and their hosting of war criminals and individuals associated with criminal activities.
Critics have further accused populist President Aleksandar Vucic of engaging in hate speech against his detractors and of suppressing democratic freedoms, actions that they believe contribute to heightened tensions and divisions within the troubled Balkan nation. President Vucic has refuted these allegations and has announced his intention to hold a rally on May 26, while also suggesting the possibility of a snap election taking place by September.
