Electoral fraud allegations escalate as opposition figures maintain hunger strike
In a concerning development, the health condition of Serbian opposition figure Marinika Tepic has worsened.
Undeterred, she persists in her hunger strike, receiving infusions twice daily. Simultaneously, hundreds took to the streets of Belgrade yesterday, demanding the release of protesters detained following Sunday's clashes in front of the Belgrade City Hall.
Quoting a participant, "I've been to protests in May, and we all know what happened then. I don't have high expectations, but I'm fighting for freedom." Another voice emphasised, "I'm here because they stole my vote. We can't leave due to theft and mafia. President Vucic has influence everywhere. All young people have left the country. I'll live here alone, without children and grandchildren, with nothing."
Regrettably, police in Serbia are accused of torturing and arresting young individuals. "Today, in Serbia, unfortunately, the police torture us, arrest young people. They arrested 18-19-year-olds accused of violating the constitution just for peacefully protesting. This may last for several days, but we won't acknowledge this fraud, and the electoral will of Belgrade's citizens will be defended."
On Monday, several hundred protesters blocked streets in the capital, later gathering in front of police stations to demand the release of those arrested during clashes in front of Belgrade City Hall on Sunday. The City Hall was attacked by protesters attempting to forcefully enter the building but was repelled by law enforcement. Two police officers were seriously injured, and at least 35 people were arrested, according to authorities.
Marinika Tepic initiated a hunger strike with six other deputies to denounce fraud after the announcement of parliamentary election results on December 17. A key figure in Serbia's main opposition party, she hails from a Romanian family in Pancevo.
Despite her party's concerns about her health, Tepic refuses to abandon the fight. As the head of the opposition coalition against President Aleksandar Vucic, she claims the elections faced criticism, with international observers, including representatives from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, denouncing irregularities, including vote-buying.
The hunger strikers remain inside the State Electoral Commission's office, a central Belgrade building that once housed Parliament. Tepic accused authorities of including deceased individuals on electoral rolls and bringing voters from Bosnia and Kosovo.
"We request an international mission to review the entire electoral process," she stated. "We want the elections annulled and new ones held in 5-6 months under better conditions," Marinika Tepic emphasised.
Translation by Iurie Tataru