All blockades in Belgrade, Serbia removed - police

BELGRADE - All traffic blockades in the territory of Belgrade and Serbia have been removed and all thoroughfares are passable, the Ministry of Interior said on Thursday.

Last night, the police verified the identities of 1,297 people, detaining 79 people - 72 for misdemeanour offences and seven for suspected criminal offences, the ministry said in a statement.

Sporadic incidents were registered on some locations, to which the police reacted pursuant to the law.

The incidents took place in Belgrade, Nis, Novi Pazar and Novi Sad, where a number of people were detained for disturbing public order and peace, as well as for committing criminal offences.

Individuals who took part in the blockades injured four police officers and damaged an official police vehicle, the ministry said.

In the statement, the ministry reiterated an appeal to citizens to refrain from any illegal activity and from blocking traffic, especially in ways that can jeopardise their own safety or the safety of other traffic participants.