Thousands protest against lithium mining in Serbia : NPR

BELGRADE, Serbia — Tens of 1000’s of protesters rallied on Saturday in opposition to lithium mining in Serbia, regardless of officers’ warnings of their alleged plot to topple populist President Aleksandar Vučić and his authorities.

Vučić stated earlier he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence providers {that a} “mass unrest and a coup” have been being ready in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that want to oust him from energy.

The gang chanted: “There might be no mining” and “Treason, treason.”

After one of many greatest protests in downtown Belgrade in years ended, some individuals within the crowd marched towards the capital’s two predominant railway stations, pledging to dam prepare site visitors till their calls for that lithium mining be formally banned are met.

Authorities officers and state-controlled media have launched a significant marketing campaign in opposition to the rally, evaluating it to the Maidan rebellion in Ukraine’s capital, Kiev, that led to the toppling of the nation’s then pro-Russia President Viktor Yanukovych in 2013. Organizers of the Belgrade protest have stated the protest can be peaceable.

“Our rally as we speak is ecological and has no political ambitions, however the authorities has accused us of in search of to stage a coup,” actor Svetlana Bojković stated.

“We got here right here as we speak to boost our voice in opposition to one thing that’s past politics,” she stated.

The demonstration got here after weeks of protests in dozens of cities all through Serbia in opposition to a authorities plan to permit lithium mining in a lush farming valley within the west of the nation.

This plan had been scrapped in 2022 after massive demonstrations have been held that included the blocking of key bridges and roads. However it was revived final month and acquired a lift in a tentative deal on “essential uncooked supplies” signed by Vučić’s authorities with the European Union.

The Balkan nation is formally in search of EU membership whereas sustaining very shut ties with each Russia and China. The EU memorandum on the mining of lithium and different key supplies wanted for inexperienced transition would carry Serbia nearer to the bloc, and would scale back Europe’s lithium battery and electrical automobile imports from China.

Whereas the federal government insists that the mine is a chance for financial improvement, critics say it could inflict irreparable air pollution on the Jadar valley, together with its essential underground water reserves and farming land.

Locals within the valley are strongly against the mine, which might be operated by multinational Rio Tinto mining firm. Each the federal government and the corporate have pledged the best environmental requirements within the mining course of, however opponents have not been satisfied.

Tens of 1000’s have turned out for atmosphere safety rallies held all through Serbia up to now a number of weeks, posing a significant problem to Vučić and his more and more autocratic rule. Opponents need the federal government to formally outlaw any lithium and boron mining in Serbia.

The federal government has arrange a medical crew to watch any potential well being hazards and a name heart for residents to voice their considerations, an obvious bid to melt a number of the opposition.

Serbian Mining and Power Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović advised The Related Press earlier this week in an interview that Serbia would not solely export uncooked supplies, however would develop a “worth chain” within the nation linked to producing batteries and electrical autos to assist develop new applied sciences.

Residents of the Jadar valley, nevertheless, stated that nothing may persuade them to comply with the mine. They stated they have been able to do all the things to stop the mine from opening.