Serbia Bans Kosovo Culture Festival Amid Rising Nationalism

Serbian police banned a festival promoting cultural exchange with Kosovo, citing security concerns. The decision underscores rising nationalism and government pressure on liberal voices in Serbia. The festival aimed to bridge ethnic divisions from the 1998-99 war. Critics argue that the ban violates constitutional and European laws.

Serbian police have halted a festival aimed at promoting cultural exchange with neighboring Kosovo, citing security concerns. This controversial decision highlights the rising tide of nationalism and growing government pressure on liberal voices within Serbia.

The Mirdita, dobar dan festival, named after greetings in both Albanian and Serbian, was scheduled to begin in Belgrade on Thursday with a theatre performance from Kosovo. The festival seeks to mend ethnic divisions rooted in the 1998-99 war and its aftermath. Organizers from the Youth Initiative for Human Rights condemned the police action, arguing it breaches constitutional and European laws.

The ban follows right-wing demonstrations outside the festival venue and reflects the Serbian government's increasingly stringent stance against critics and liberal initiatives. Notably, Serbia continues to distance itself from the European Union's democratic values while nurturing ties with Russia and China.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)