Serbia under pressure: oil sanctions exemption revoked, protests against Vučić intensify amid foreign interference suspicions
Serbia is facing mounting pressure as the US revoked Belgrade's sanctions exemption for its Russian-owned oil and gas supplier, while at home protests against President Aleksandar Vučić intensify and authorities detain 11 people over attacks abroad.
US ends sanctions exemption
The United States has cut off the exemption Belgrade had previously secured from sanctions targeting its Russian-owned oil and gas supplier. The waiver had allowed the company to keep operating despite restrictions otherwise aimed at curbing Moscow's ability to fund its war effort. With the exemption now revoked, Serbia's energy sector faces renewed pressure.
Eleven arrested over attacks abroad
Serbia's interior ministry says 11 people have been detained on suspicion of stoking tensions through attacks in Berlin and Paris that involved paint and pigs' heads. According to the ministry, the main organizer behind the incidents acted on the instructions of a foreign intelligence service.
Protests against Vučić grow more heated
At the same time, protests against President Aleksandar Vučić continue across Serbia, with demonstrators' anger reportedly reaching a boiling point. One opposition lawmaker said he was beaten by masked men, as demonstrations have repeatedly been met with a violent response from authorities.
