Serbia’s acting Ombudsman, Milos Jankovic, initiated a control procedure at the Belgrade Institute for Emergency Medical Assistance on Wednesday, after the Institute claimed that its emergency vehicles are unable to reach downtown Belgrade because of anti-government protests.
“Public gatherings in the city centre cannot serve as justification for not providing services that are of vital importance for the lives of citizens,” Jankovic said in a statement.
The Institute claimed on Tuesday that they are unable to intervene in central city streets between 6pm and 9pm due to the traffic blockade caused by rallies against Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic.
Protesters used the “Against Dictatorship” Facebook page, on which each night’s protests have been announced, to issue a response, denying that they are obstructing emergency services.
Soon after the Institute published its claim, a video emerged showing the protesters allowing an ambulance vehicle to pass unobstructed during one of the rallies.