Prime Minister Djuro Macut comments on rioting in Belgrade and Novi Sad

Photo: Tanjug/Serbian Government/Slobodan Miljevic

Prime Minister Djuro Macut today strongly condemned the rioting in Belgrade, Novi Sad, as well as in several other towns in Serbia that took place last night.

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The prime minister of Serbia condemned the attacks on the police and the destruction of public and private property, and pointed out that such behavior represents a direct attack on the state.

A statement issued by the government quoted Macut as saying that those were not peaceful protests but gatherings of hooligans whose goal was to disrupt public order and peace.

"When you attack the police, you are attacking the state. We must not allow that those who have for months acted responsibly and in a committed manner while protecting the safety of citizens are now insulted and humiliated. This kind of behavior deserves full condemnation," said Prime Minister Macut.

The state, he added, will react decisively and in line with the law, and anyone who violates the law will be held accountable.

"I call on the other side to calm down and stop with violent activities, because competent authorities will react in accordance with their powers," said Macut.

At the same time, he praised the composure, professionalism and sacrifice shown by the members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who, despite the provocations, acted in the interest of citizens and protection of public order and peace.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)