1 minute read
Targeting violence
SHOCKWAVES have reverberated throughout Serbia when two mass shootings occurred within days of each other earlier this month. However, what followed has been a wave of outrage and a call for change.
Tens of thousands took to the streets of Belgrade, joined by smaller rallies across the country, united under the banner ‘Serbia Against Violence’. Their message was clear: an end to the pervasive culture of violence believed to have contributed to the tragic incidents in Belgrade on Wednesday, May 3 and Mladenovac on Thursday, May 4.
While the government downplayed the protests, both demonstrators and authorities
IN a disturbing turn of events, the greatnephew of France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, was brutally assaulted in an apparent politically motivated attack.
Jean Baptiste Trogneux fell victim to anti government protesters in Amiens shortly after President Emmanuel Macron’s televised address about the country’s hugely unpopular pension reforms on Monday, May 15.
The vicious attackers mer have found common ground on the issue of gun control. President Aleksandar Vucic swiftly announced a “general disarmament”, implementing a monthlong amnesty for illegal weapons. Severe consequences were warned for those defying the gun permit requirements.
The response to the disarmament initiative was largely positive. According to a report released on Wednesday, May 17, within just two days on the initiative, more guns and ammunition were surrendered than in the three previous amnesties combined.
However, protests continue over the issue of a deeper culture of violence.
Crossing the line
cilessly targeted JeanBaptiste Trogneux, causing severe injuries to his head, arms, and legs.
President Macron swiftly condemned the assault as “unacceptable”, saying that violence has no place in a democracy. Brigitte Macron also stood in solidarity with her family, vehemently de nouncing the attackers for their cowardice and brutality.
Local authorities announced on Wednesday, May 17 that eight suspects who fled the scene have been arrested thanks to intervention from members of the public. The Trogneux family's iconic chocolate shop has also been repeatedly targeted by protesters, fueled by baseless rumors of a financial connection to the first family.
