The environmentalist group Eko Straža held a protest outside Serbia’s public broadcaster RTS in response to the arrests and criminal charges against several dozen activists opposing the exploration and mining of lithium and boron ores. Activists, many of whom participated in nationwide protests, demand a ban on lithium mining. Over the past two and a half months, as many as 60 activists have been apprehended, with the largest arrests occurring on August 17, according to Nina Ciganović from Eko Straža.
Some activists face serious charges, including inciting ethnic and religious hatred and calling for violent constitutional change. In addition, many have experienced property fires, sudden tax inspections, and threats on social media. Arrests were reported across towns and villages where protests occurred, involving various environmental initiatives and opposition parties such as Kreni-promeni, Serbia Center – SRCE, and others.
Tensions have escalated over the Jadar lithium mining project since Rio Tinto resumed its campaign to open a disputed mine, prompting more protests. Earlier this year, Serbia’s government had banned the project but has now reinstated itafter the Constitutional Court reversed its earlier decision. In response, Eko Straža is demanding prime-time coverage on RTS to raise awareness about the arrests and their impact on activists.
During the rally, Bojan Simišić, founder of Eko Straža, accused the government of fabricating criminal charges and stressed that “everyone has the right to a healthy environment” as per the constitution. Simišić urged all citizens to become eco-activists to help preserve Serbia’s environment.
