Anti-government protesters block bridges, roads in Serbia against new laws 'favouring foreign investors'

Skirmishes erupted in Serbia between police and anti-government demonstrators who were protesting against new laws they say favor interests of foreign investors devastating the environment Belgrade: Skirmishes on Saturday erupted in Serbia between police and anti-government demonstrators who blocked roads and bridges in the Balkan country in protest against new laws they say favouring interests of foreign investors devastating the environment. Hundreds of people on Saturday appeared simultaneously in the capital Belgrade, the northern city of Novi Sad and other locations to block main bridges and roads for one hour in what organisers described as a warning blockade. Activists argue this will pave the way for foreign companies to circumvent popular discontent over projects such as the bid by the Rio Tinto company to launch a lithium mine in western Serbia. Serbia’s authorities have rejected the accusations, saying the new laws are needed because of infrastructure projects.