Anti-government protesters block bridges, roads in Serbia

Environmental groups are angry that the authorities have lowered the referendum threshold, arguing that this will pave the way for foreign companies to launch anti-environmental projects in Serbia

Skirmishes on November 27 erupted in Serbia between police and anti-government demonstrators who blocked roads and bridges in the Balkan country in protest against new laws they say favor interests of foreign investors devastating the environment.

Hundreds of people on November 27 appeared simultaneously in the capital Belgrade, the northern city of Novi Sad and other locations to block main bridges and roads for one hour in what organizers described as a warning blockade. They pledged further protests if the laws on property expropriation and referendum weren't withdrawn.

Police officers blocked the demonstrators from reaching the bridges, which led to skirmishes as police helicopters flew overhead. The protesters then marched around while managing to stop traffic at a key bridge in Belgrade and in various central streets.