Serbia Experiences Bomb Threats: 115 Schools Targeted in a Single Day

Serbia Experiences Bomb Threats: 115 Schools Targeted in a Single Day

Dozens of Serbian Schools Receive Bomb Threats amid Heightened Security Concerns

In a concerning turn of events, dozens of Serbian schools were targeted by bomb threats on Wednesday, prompting evacuations and heightened security measures. The education ministry reported that a total of 78 elementary schools and 37 high schools in Belgrade received alarming emails in the early hours of the morning, claiming the presence of explosive devices on their premises.

In response to the threats, classes were immediately postponed, and students were evacuated as law enforcement agencies conducted thorough searches of the buildings. As of now, no actual explosives have been found, and authorities are still awaiting the final report from the police.

Unfortunately, such instances of multiple threats sent to schools have occurred in the past, not only in Serbia but also in neighboring countries, and they have consistently turned out to be false alarms. Nevertheless, these recent bomb threats add to the already heightened security fears following the tragic mass shootings that took place earlier this month.

The shootings, which occurred on May 3 and May 4, claimed the lives of 10 individuals and left 21 others injured. The first incident unfolded in a central Belgrade elementary school when a 13-year-old boy gained access to his father's firearm and opened fire. The following day, a 20-year-old unleashed random gunfire with an automatic weapon in two villages south of Belgrade. These shocking events have deeply shaken the nation, leading to widespread calls for immediate action.

In response to the public outcry, authorities have taken steps to bolster security in schools, deploying police personnel to ensure the safety of students and staff. Additionally, a crackdown on firearms has been initiated to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The severity of the situation has spurred large-scale protests against violence, with tens of thousands of citizens taking to the streets to demand justice and reform. Further protests are scheduled to take place on Friday, as opposition parties call for the resignation of the ministers of interior and intelligence, citing their failure to address the escalating violence. Additionally, they demand that two pro-government networks be stripped of their nation-wide broadcast licenses due to their alleged promotion of violent content and the hosting of individuals linked to war crimes and organized crime.

Critics have also accused President Aleksandar Vucic of engaging in hate speech against his detractors and implementing policies that curtail democratic freedoms, exacerbating tensions and divisions within the troubled Balkan nation. President Vucic, however, vehemently denies these allegations and has called for his own rally on May 26. Moreover, he has suggested the possibility of holding a snap election as early as September.

As the investigation into the bomb threats continues, it is crucial for the authorities to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of educational institutions across the country. The events of recent weeks have underscored the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the underlying issues contributing to such acts of violence and restore a sense of security within Serbian society.