In a dramatic display of resistance, thousands of Serbian protesters formed a human shield around a bombed-out military complex in Belgrade on Tuesday, vowing to protect it from a controversial $500-million redevelopment project linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The site, partially destroyed during the 1999 NATO bombing campaign, is slated for demolition to make way for a luxury compound featuring a high-rise hotel, offices, and shops. The project, backed by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s populist government, has faced fierce opposition from architectural experts, the public, and international critics. Despite legal challenges, Serbian lawmakers recently passed a special law to expedite the construction. Protesters, led by youth groups, encircled the complex, drawing a symbolic red line to emphasize their determination to preserve the site, which they view as a monument of resistance and a prime example of mid-20th century Yugoslav architecture. Critics argue that the redevelopment disregards the site’s historical significance and cultural heritage, while Vucic’s administration claims it will boost economic ties with the U.S. and stimulate the local economy. The controversy has intensified amid allegations of document forgery in the removal of the complex’s protected status and broader public discontent over government corruption. The protests mark the latest chapter in a yearlong wave of demonstrations challenging Vucic’s leadership, fueled by anger over state mismanagement and a recent tragedy in Novi Sad that claimed 16 lives. The issue remains highly sensitive in Serbia, where anti-NATO sentiment persists, and the U.S. involvement in the project has sparked further outrage.
Serbian protesters vow to prevent real estate project linked to Trump son-in-law Kushner
