Serbians on Sunday displayed 13,500 weapons they say people have been handed over since the two mass shootings that left 17 people dead. The authorities have declared a one-month amnesty period for citizens to hand over unregistered weapons or face prison sentences. The weapons will go to Serbia’s arms and ammunitions factories for potential use by the armed forces. Opposition politicians have accused the populist authorities of fueling violence and hate speech against critics, spreading propaganda on mainstream media and imposing autocratic rule in all institutions.
In response to recent mass shootings that claimed 17 lives, Serbian citizens have surrendered a staggering 13,500 weapons to authorities. Among these surrendered items are hand grenades, automatic weapons, and anti-tank rocket launchers. These collected armaments will be repurposed within Serbia's arms and ammunition factories for potential use by their military forces.
President Aleksandar Vucic stated that approximately half of the submitted weaponry was illegal while registered owners turned in the other half voluntarily. He warned that after June 8th, those found with illegal firearms would face "repressive measures" with strict punishments enforced.
This display near Smederevo city comes as part of an ongoing crackdown following two tragic mass shootings earlier this month which resulted in numerous fatalities including children. In light of these events, President Vucic announced a one-month amnesty period during which individuals may turn over any unregistered firearms without penalty; however upon conclusion of this grace period violators risk imprisonment up to fifteen years if convicted.
In addition to implementing an amnesty program for weapon surrendering purposes President Vucic also established stricter regulatory control among gun owners as well as shooting range facilities throughout Serbia.
Opposition politicians claim these governmental actions are insufficient accusing populist leaders like Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic instead of inciting further violence through hateful rhetoric targeting opponents; propagating misinformation via mainstream media channels; and exerting autocratic influence within all institutions. Despite these criticisms President Vucic has dismissed calls for Gasic's resignation suggesting instead that the government itself may resign with an early election announcement scheduled on May 26 during a planned rally.