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Serbia's populist president says lithium protests are part of a 'hybrid' warfare against his country

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Serbia's populist president says lithium protests are part of a 'hybrid' warfare against his country
News

News

Serbia's populist president says lithium protests are part of a 'hybrid' warfare against his country

2024-08-11 21:04 Last Updated At:21:11

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbia’s president Sunday accused demonstrators who opposed a lithium mining project in the Balkan country of being part of a Western-backed “hybrid” warfare against his government and vowed to take strong legal action against those protesters who have blocked railway and road traffic in the capital a day earlier.

In one of the biggest protests in recent years, tens of thousands took to the streets in the capital, Belgrade, Saturday against lithium mining in Serbia, despite officials’ warnings of their alleged plot to unseat populist President Aleksandar Vučić and his government.

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People attend a protest against pollution and the exploitation of a lithium mine in the country, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. Thousands were gathering Saturday at a rally against lithium mining in Serbia despite government warnings of alleged planned unrest designed to topple the government of populist President Aleksandar Vucic. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People attend a protest against pollution and the exploitation of a lithium mine in the country, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. Thousands were gathering Saturday at a rally against lithium mining in Serbia despite government warnings of alleged planned unrest designed to topple the government of populist President Aleksandar Vucic. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People attend a protest against pollution and the exploitation of a lithium mine in the country in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. Thousands were gathering Saturday at a rally against lithium mining in Serbia despite government warnings of alleged planned unrest designed to topple the government of populist President Aleksandar Vucic. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People attend a protest against pollution and the exploitation of a lithium mine in the country in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. Thousands were gathering Saturday at a rally against lithium mining in Serbia despite government warnings of alleged planned unrest designed to topple the government of populist President Aleksandar Vucic. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks during a public address, a day after one of the biggest protests in years in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Vucic said earlier he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence services that a "mass unrest and a coup" were being prepared in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks during a public address, a day after one of the biggest protests in years in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Vucic said earlier he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence services that a "mass unrest and a coup" were being prepared in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic gestures during a public address, a day after one of the biggest protests in years in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Vucic said earlier he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence services that a "mass unrest and a coup" were being prepared in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic gestures during a public address, a day after one of the biggest protests in years in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Vucic said earlier he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence services that a "mass unrest and a coup" were being prepared in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks during a public address, a day after one of the biggest protests in years in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Vucic said earlier he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence services that a "mass unrest and a coup" were being prepared in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks during a public address, a day after one of the biggest protests in years in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Vucic said earlier he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence services that a "mass unrest and a coup" were being prepared in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Some of the protesters later blocked tracks at two railway stations in the city, and briefly stopped traffic on a major highway. Riot police early Sunday pushed them out of the railway stations with their riot shields.

Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said 14 people have been brought in for questioning. Police are working to identify all the perpetrators who will face charges, he said.

Vucic told reporters Sunday that although the main protest was done democratically, the blockage of traffic on the highway amounted to "terror of the minority over the majority.”

“It is part of the hybrid approach” designed to topple the government, Vucic told reporters. “We knew everything in detail. You think you have surprised someone... we have always been restrained, without violence we ensured order in the country, without a problem.”

Vučić said last week he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence services that a “mass unrest and a coup” were being prepared in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power.

Government officials and state-controlled media have launched a major campaign against the Saturday rally, comparing it to the Maidan uprising in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, that led to the toppling of the country’s then pro-Russia President Viktor Yanukovych in 2013. Organizers of the Belgrade protest have repeatedly denied those charges.

Satuday's demonstration came after weeks of protests in dozens of cities throughout Serbia against a government plan to allow lithium mining in a lush farming valley in the west of the country.

This plan was scrapped in 2022 after large demonstrations were held that included the blocking of key bridges and roads. But it was revived last month and received a boost in a tentative deal on “critical raw materials” signed by Vučić’s government with the European Union.

The Balkan nation is formally seeking EU membership while maintaining very close ties with both Russia and China. The EU memorandum on the mining of lithium and other key materials needed for the green transition would bring Serbia closer to the bloc, and would reduce Europe’s lithium battery and electric car dependency on China.

While the government insists that the mine is an opportunity for economic development, critics say it would inflict irreparable pollution on the Jadar valley, along with its crucial underground water reserves and farming land.

Vučić said Sunday there will be no lithium mining in the next two years while all the risks are being investigated, in an apparent attempt to pacify critics. He also offered a referendum on the issue — something unlikely to be considered by the environmentalists with Vučić’s alleged history of rigging votes in his favor.

People attend a protest against pollution and the exploitation of a lithium mine in the country, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. Thousands were gathering Saturday at a rally against lithium mining in Serbia despite government warnings of alleged planned unrest designed to topple the government of populist President Aleksandar Vucic. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People attend a protest against pollution and the exploitation of a lithium mine in the country, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. Thousands were gathering Saturday at a rally against lithium mining in Serbia despite government warnings of alleged planned unrest designed to topple the government of populist President Aleksandar Vucic. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People attend a protest against pollution and the exploitation of a lithium mine in the country in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. Thousands were gathering Saturday at a rally against lithium mining in Serbia despite government warnings of alleged planned unrest designed to topple the government of populist President Aleksandar Vucic. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People attend a protest against pollution and the exploitation of a lithium mine in the country in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. Thousands were gathering Saturday at a rally against lithium mining in Serbia despite government warnings of alleged planned unrest designed to topple the government of populist President Aleksandar Vucic. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks during a public address, a day after one of the biggest protests in years in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Vucic said earlier he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence services that a "mass unrest and a coup" were being prepared in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks during a public address, a day after one of the biggest protests in years in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Vucic said earlier he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence services that a "mass unrest and a coup" were being prepared in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic gestures during a public address, a day after one of the biggest protests in years in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Vucic said earlier he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence services that a "mass unrest and a coup" were being prepared in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic gestures during a public address, a day after one of the biggest protests in years in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Vucic said earlier he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence services that a "mass unrest and a coup" were being prepared in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks during a public address, a day after one of the biggest protests in years in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Vucic said earlier he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence services that a "mass unrest and a coup" were being prepared in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks during a public address, a day after one of the biggest protests in years in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Vucic said earlier he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence services that a "mass unrest and a coup" were being prepared in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

BANGKOK (AP) — It's a big day for LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand.

On Thursday, they gained the legal right to register their marriages, making it the first country in Southeast Asia and the third place in Asia to recognize same-sex unions, after Taiwan and Nepal. In central Bangkok, a popular shopping mall held a daylong gala to help accommodate the hundreds of same-sex couples who wanted to register their marriages on the very first day.

Thailand has a reputation for acceptance and inclusivity but struggled for decades to pass a marriage equality law. Thai society has broadly conservative values, and members of the LGBTQ+ community say they face discrimination in everyday life, while also saying they've seen great improvement in recent years.

The marriage equality bill was officially written into law on Sept. 24, after it was endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The government led by the Pheu Thai party made marriage equality one of its main goals after coming to power in 2023. It had a major presence at the annual Bangkok Pride parade in June, with thousands of people celebrating in one of Bangkok’s busiest commercial districts.

The Associated Press spoke with seven same-sex couples in the days before the law took effect:

“This law doesn’t only equate life. It is life! At long last, Thailand’s society accepts the legality of all marriages in our land, regardless of sexual orientation. With that one sentence, lost or wasted lives have been rescued. Spirits restored. The whole country is better off.” — Jakrapob Penkair

“The marriage equality law will bring about a multitude of positive outcomes, especially by providing greater security and legal assurances for our relationships, including better access to health care and other protections. I’m truly happy this day has finally become a reality,” — Prorawin Battemdee

“The enforcement of the marriage equality law is proof that regardless of our gender, we all share the same basic human rights in every aspect under Thai law. It also paves the way for other countries in Asia, highlighting the importance of recognizing each other’s human values and enabling everyone to live.” — Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh

“This law will grant both of us the right to take care of each other, legally sign consent for the other’s medical treatment, and provide each other with lifelong security. When one of us dies, the law will ensure that our bond is recognized and protected.” — Chantamas Hemapanpairo

"We’re quite fortunate. We have a supportive social circle, friends, and family who accept us for who we are and accept the person we love. Marriage, it seems, isn’t everything that fulfills us emotionally. “However, ultimately, we believe that as two human beings, we should be granted the same basic legal rights as heterosexual couples. We are a complete family in spirit, but legal recognition would alleviate our future anxieties. In the end, we aren’t asking for anything special — we just want a simple, happy family life.” — Patherine Khunnares

“Before the marriage equality bill became law, I personally felt that I could only use the word ‘partner.’ But from now on, it’s ‘family.’ — Jutarat Chuenpae

“The marriage equality law allows everyone’s lives to complete each other without any further discrimination.” — Panuwat Srisawat

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FILE - Participants hold a rainbow flag during the Pride Parade in Bangkok, Thailand, June 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

FILE - Participants hold a rainbow flag during the Pride Parade in Bangkok, Thailand, June 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

Panuwat Srisawat, 35, hair creative, left, and Kritsanai Promsiriruk, 62, actor, stand for a portrait in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Panuwat Srisawat, 35, hair creative, left, and Kritsanai Promsiriruk, 62, actor, stand for a portrait in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Nutanong sopon, 43, left, and Jutarat chuenpae, 37, both business owners, hold hands and jump for a photograph in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Nutanong sopon, 43, left, and Jutarat chuenpae, 37, both business owners, hold hands and jump for a photograph in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Patherine Khunnares, 37, web designer, left, and Vivian Chullamon, 36, researcher, stand for a photograph in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Patherine Khunnares, 37, web designer, left, and Vivian Chullamon, 36, researcher, stand for a photograph in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Chantamas Hemapanpairo, 52, business owner, and Sirada Thongchua, 38, teacher, pose for a portrait in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Chantamas Hemapanpairo, 52, business owner, and Sirada Thongchua, 38, teacher, pose for a portrait in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Juthatip Suttiwong, 24, chef, left, and Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh, 38, real estate owner, pose for a portrait in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Juthatip Suttiwong, 24, chef, left, and Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh, 38, real estate owner, pose for a portrait in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Pitee Chuchomchuen, 39, designer, left, and Prorawin Battemdee, 40, public relations officer, pose for a photograph in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Pitee Chuchomchuen, 39, designer, left, and Prorawin Battemdee, 40, public relations officer, pose for a photograph in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Jakrapob Penkair, right, 57, former Prime Minister's Office minister, and Supraipon Chuaychoo, 44, tourism business owner, sit for a photograph in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Jakrapob Penkair, right, 57, former Prime Minister's Office minister, and Supraipon Chuaychoo, 44, tourism business owner, sit for a photograph in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

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