Tensions rose in Belgrade on election day as an increasing number of men, dressed predominantly in black, gathered in Pionirski park, known as Ćacilend. According to a report by N1 Srbija, the crowd was moving towards the building of the Presidency of Serbia, with the park space gradually filling up.
A group of men in dark clothing, mostly wearing hoods, was seen heading towards Pionirski park less than an hour before polling stations closed. On Nikola Pašić Square, near the park, a group of men in dark clothes, mostly with hoods on, was filmed moving towards the park. Another group of hooded men was gathering in the Ušće area. The portal Nova.rs previously published footage showing groups of men, mostly dressed in black, entering Pionirski park; some wore hoods, while others had balaclavas.
In Pionirski park, supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) have set up tents. Simultaneously, tents and associated infrastructure were being reinstalled in the park. The Pionirski park area is secured by police, and members of the Police Brigade of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Serbia are present in the area. An N1 reporter noted that a large number of cars and buses were parked near the Old Court (Stari dvor).
Additional police forces, including members of the Gendarmerie, were deployed in the centre of the Serbian capital. Earlier in the day, a large number of Gendarmerie vehicles arrived near Pionirski park and the headquarters of the Republic Election Commission (RIK). Police set up cordons and protective barriers at certain locations in the city centre, which temporarily hindered press crews' access to the RIK building.
Students in the blockade called on citizens not to gather near locations where increased police and plainclothes presence was observed. They warned citizens of possible clashes and asked them to stay at home. Students fear potential riots and provocations and are urging citizens to exercise caution to prevent new conflicts.
Election day was marked by numerous incidents and reported attacks on citizens, while police reactions drew criticism. According to reports published on social media, numerous cases of violence were recorded at polling stations and in their surroundings. According to available information, only one arrest was recorded.
