Long before the official start time — 7:00 PM Bulgarian time — thousands of Serbian citizens began heading toward Slavija Square in Belgrade for today’s mass protest against the regime of President Aleksandar Vučić, BGNES reported.

Despite the suspension of train and intercity transport, citizens are filling the streets of the Serbian capital. During today’s protest, 16 minutes of silence are planned at 7:11 PM in memory of the 16 people who died during the collapse of the canopy at the Novi Sad train station on November 1st last year. After that, the national anthem will be played at 7:27 PM. This will be followed by speeches from representatives of the student movement. For the first time, the rector of the University of Belgrade, Vladan Đokić — who has been heavily targeted by the regime and pro-government media — is expected to speak on stage.

There is a strong police presence in central Belgrade, especially around the Presidency, the Parliament, and the City Hall. The official program is scheduled to conclude at 10:20 PM Bulgarian time.

Stay tuned for updates. | BGNES