Nationalist Demo in Belgrade, March 17th

Today in downtown Belgrade, a large demonstration commemorating the anniversary of the largest ethnic based violence that had occurred in Kosovo since the end of the war in 1999. The clashes in 2004 were spurred WHEN the drowning of an Albanian child led to weeks of arson, murder and bombings by the Albanian majority against their neighbors. Later investigation found the drowning was an accident that never involved any Serbs. At least 19 people died.

Today demonstrations were organized by several Serbian nationalist groups, as well as residents of Kosovo whom have been displaced since 1999.

One could hear the crowd chanting “Ubij, zakolji! Da Shiptar ne postoji!” which means ‘Kill, Slay! So that Albanians do not exist!’, while performing Zeig Heil’s. The younger and majority of the crowd were predominantly football fans and members of the clubs, Partizan, Red Star, and Rad.

This marks the first gathering that has been permitted by the government of Belgrade, since the riots that erupted in the city 4 days after Kosovo had declared independence last February. Other demonstrations such as International Women’s Day March, organized by the critical anti-war group ‘Women in Black’, as well as the ‘There is no Alternative but Europe’ coalition had been denied permits to hold their events.

The demonstration began at 12:44 symbolizing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. The resolution states that the permanent status of Kosovo is to be determined with bilateral negotiations between the interim government of Kosovo, and the Serbian government. Every attempt of negotiations over the past 8 years have dramatically failed.

Throughout the city a heavy presence of riot cops were on alert, concerned that the morning rioting in Mitrovica coupled with the demonstration organized by the nationalists could prompt property destruction and violence. This morning an early morning raid by UNMIK and KFOR troops ended the 3-day blockade of a courthouse by Serbians, whom are the ethnic minority in Kosovoska Mitrovica. When word of the raid spread, Serbian protestors rushed to the scene where clashes erupted with security forces. 8 people-including UN and NATO troops-have sustained serious injuries.

Today’s demonstration in Belgrade ended at the Saint Sava Temple, where there was a orthodox clerical ceremony for the Serbian victims of the conflict.