Fact Check: "140,000 protesters demand early elections in Belgrade's largest rally yet!"
What We Know
On a recent Saturday, approximately 140,000 protesters gathered in Belgrade, Serbia, demanding early elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year rule. This protest marked the largest turnout in recent months, fueled by ongoing student-led demonstrations against the government (BBC). The protesters chanted slogans such as "We want elections!" as they expressed their frustrations over corruption and the perceived usurpation of state institutions (AP News).
The protests have been ongoing for several months, with various groups, including students, teachers, and farmers, participating in demonstrations against the government. The protests intensified after a tragic incident in November 2023, where 16 people died due to the collapse of a railway station roof, an event that protesters attribute to government corruption (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that 140,000 protesters participated in the rally is supported by multiple reputable sources. The BBC and AP News both report on the significant turnout, indicating that this was indeed the largest rally in recent months against President Vucic (BBC, AP News).
The credibility of these sources is high; the BBC is a well-respected international news organization known for its thorough reporting, while AP News is a leading source of news that provides reliable and fact-checked information. Both outlets have reported on the protests consistently, providing context about the political climate in Serbia and the reasons behind the protests.
Furthermore, the protests have been characterized by clashes with police, with reports of riot police using tear gas and stun grenades against demonstrators (BBC). This escalation of violence underscores the seriousness of the protesters' demands and the government's response to dissent.
Conclusion
The claim that 140,000 protesters demanded early elections in Belgrade during the largest rally yet is True. The evidence from multiple credible news sources confirms the scale of the protest and the ongoing political unrest in Serbia. The significant turnout reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the current government and calls for accountability, particularly in light of recent tragic events linked to corruption.
