On Monday (May 29), former world number one Novak Djokovic eased past debutant Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round of the French Open 2023 edition. Squaring off with the newcomer, Djokovic risked controversy by sharing a message about Kosovo and urging to stop the violence.&nbsp;The 22-time Grand Slam champion shared a message for one and all as he wrote on a camera lens in Serbian, stating, "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence."

It is to be noted that the incident happened amid rising tensions in Kosovo. On Monday, clashes broke out between Serb protesters and NATO peacekeeping soldiers -- defending three town halls in northern Kosovo -- which led to as many as 25 soldiers being injured. Thus, Djokovic joined in and gave a special message for his countrymen after a winning start at the Roland Garros.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2023-novak-djokovic-opens-campaign-with-straight-set-win-over-philippe-chatrier-597995">French Open 2023: Novak Djokovic opens campaign with straight set win over Aleksandar Kovacevic</a>

<h2 data-testid="paragraph-1">'My stance is clear: I am against wars, violence and any kind of conflict, as I’ve always stated publicly'</h2>

After his match, Djokovic told a news briefing, "As a son of a man born in Kosovo, I feel the need to give my support to our people and to the entire Serbia. My stance is clear: I am against wars, violence and any kind of conflict, as I’ve always stated publicly. I empathise with all people, but the situation with Kosovo is a precedent in international law."

The French tennis federation (FFT), which organises the French Open, reacted to Djokovic's message and told Reuters, "No official Grand Slam rules on what players can or cannot say. The FFT will not be making any statement or taking any stance on this matter."

Djokovic will now lock horns with Hungary's Marton&nbsp;Fucsovics in the second round on Wednesday (May 31). He is expected to go the distance in 2023's second Grand Slam tournament and compete for the mega title along with No. 1 ranked Carlos Alcaraz.&nbsp;

On Monday (May 29), former world number one Novak Djokovic eased past debutant Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round of the French Open 2023 edition. Squaring off with the newcomer, Djokovic risked controversy by sharing a message about Kosovo and urging to stop the violence.

On Monday (May 29), former world number one Novak Djokovic eased past debutant Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round of the French Open 2023 edition. Squaring off with the newcomer, Djokovic risked controversy by sharing a message about Kosovo and urging to stop the violence. The 22-time Grand Slam champion shared a message for one and all as he wrote on a camera lens in Serbian, stating, "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence." It is to be noted that the incident happened amid rising tensions in Kosovo. On Monday, clashes broke out between Serb protesters and NATO peacekeeping soldiers -- defending three town halls in northern Kosovo -- which led to as many as 25 soldiers being injured. Thus, Djokovic joined in and gave a special message for his countrymen after a winning start at the Roland Garros. Also Read: French Open 2023: Novak Djokovic opens campaign with straight set win over Aleksandar Kovacevic 'My stance is clear: I am against wars, violence and any kind of conflict, as I’ve always stated publicly' After his match, Djokovic told a news briefing, "As a son of a man born in Kosovo, I feel the need to give my support to our people and to the entire Serbia. My stance is clear: I am against wars, violence and any kind of conflict, as I’ve always stated publicly. I empathise with all people, but the situation with Kosovo is a precedent in international law." The French tennis federation (FFT), which organises the French Open, reacted to Djokovic's message and told Reuters, "No official Grand Slam rules on what players can or cannot say. The FFT will not be making any statement or taking any stance on this matter." Djokovic will now lock horns with Hungary's Marton Fucsovics in the second round on Wednesday (May 31). He is expected to go the distance in 2023's second Grand Slam tournament and compete for the mega title along with No. 1 ranked Carlos Alcaraz.

Novak Djokovic shares message for violence-hit Kosovo after first-round win in French Open

Following a series of significant protests against Serbian president Alexander Vucic's Administration in the wake of two horrific shootings this month thousands of government supporters flocked to the streets of Belgrade on Friday to show their support for the president the March which has been termed as the Serbia of Hope rally.

Serbian army on combat alert

Following a series of significant protests against Serbian president Alexander Vucic's Administration in the wake of two horrific shootings this month thousands of government supporters flocked to the streets of Belgrade on Friday to show their support for the president the March which has been termed as the Serbia of Hope rally .

Mass shooting triggers unrest in Serbia | Alexander Vucic's show of power

Thousands of Serbs angered by the government's handling of recent gun violence that has killed 18 people held a third rally in a month calling for a crackdown.

Thousands protest against violence in Serbia for third time in a month

Two mass shootings took place in Serbia only in this month. It left 17 people dead. Many of the killed victims were children. The government in the wke of these mass shootings announced a one-month amnesty period for citizens to turn in unregistered firearms as part of a gun control drive.

In Pics | Serbians surrender 13,500 weapons in amnesty after mass shootings

Serbian authorities displayed around 13,500 weapons they say people have been handed over since this month's mass shootings, including hand grenades, automatic weapons, and anti-tank rocket launchers.

Serbian authorities display 13,500 weapons

Serbian authorities displayed around 13,500 weapons on Sunday which includes unlicensed automatic weapons, hand grenades and even anti-tank rocket launchers. Serbian government has given citizens one month leeway period to surrender unregistered weapons or face prison sentences.

Serbian government asks citizens to surrender unregistered weapons in one month's time

"Guns don't kill people, people kill people". This is a slogan popularized by the National Rifle Association of America and other gun advocates since 1910s. A little over a century later, America, a nation of 330 million, is awash with 400 million guns. Gun-related deaths in America far outnumber the deaths in any other advanced country on the planet. Not a week goes by without horrible news of a mass shooting somewhere on American soil.

Serbia's twin mass shootings bring focus on easy availability of guns | World At War

- Serbia rocked by deadly mass shootings in Belgrade - 147 people massacred in Burkina Faso by gunmen who wore army fatigues - Why has the Indian state of Manipur erupted in deadly ethnic violence? Mohammed Saleh gets you an in depth report of the world's biggest warzones of the week in #WorldAtWar

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Authorities in Serbia released more details about the shooter who killed eight people in the country’s second mass shooting in two consecutive days, on Friday (May 5). The young man was wearing a t-shirt with neo-Nazi symbols and was later caught hiding at his grandfather’s house.&nbsp;

The incident took place in the Siberian town of Mladenovac’s Dubona village, late Thursday, where the police after an hours-long manhunt arrested the gunman suspected of carrying out the attack. The attack also resulted in the wounding of at least 14 others in the village not too far from Belgrade.&nbsp;

The Serbian Interior Ministry said in a statement, “The suspect U.B., born in 2002, has been apprehended in the vicinity of the city of Kragujevac, he is suspected of killing eight people and wounding 14 overnight.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-killed-several-injured-after-shooting-incident-in-serbian-village-reports-589022">Serbia: Second mass shooting in two days leaves 8 dead, suspect held</a>

State broadcaster RTS said the suspect had been involved in an altercation in a schoolyard, following which he reportedly left to procure an assault rifle and a handgun. Subsequently, he opened fire and continued to shoot at people from a moving car.&nbsp;

According to the police, the man fired at people in two other nearby villages before fleeing. The suspect was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning after “an extensive search,” the interior ministry said.&nbsp;

They also indicated that an investigation has been launched into the attack. The search for the suspect, who was only referred to by his initials UB, involved over 600 officers, a helicopter, drones and multiple police patrols.&nbsp;

It was not until hours later when they found him hiding in his grandfather’s house, where they also discovered hand grenades, an automatic rifle and ammunition, reported Reuters, citing authorities. The police have also arrested UB’s grandfather and uncle.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/serbia-8-dead-13-injured-in-second-mass-shooting-in-two-days-world-news-wion-589284">Serbia: 8 dead, 13 injured in second mass shooting in two days | World News | WION</a>

Vucic calls for ‘practical disarmament’ of Serbia

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic delivered a sombre address on Friday where he called the incident a “terrorist attack”. He also said that the gunman was wearing a t-shirt with neo-Nazi symbols. “There will be justice. These monsters will never see the light of day,” said Vucic.&nbsp;

The Serbian leader further pledged to strengthen security for schools, announcing that 1,200 new police officers will be recruited in the next six months to be deployed to schools across the country.&nbsp;

All those injured were born after the year 2000, said the report by RTS. On Friday, Serbian Health Minister Danica Grujicic said that those wounded from the shooting a day prior suffered multiple injuries and underwent surgery, but all were stable.

School shooting in Belgrade on Wednesday

The incident comes a day after the Balkan country witnessed a school shooting by a 13-year-old. Notably, until this week, despite the country’s high rate of gun ownership, mass shootings were rare.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-aleksandar-vucic-vows-to-disarm-serbia-following-mass-shootings-589368">President Aleksandar Vucic vows to ‘disarm’ Serbia following mass shootings</a>&nbsp;

Serbia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement on Facebook that it was informed at 8:40 am (local time) that a school shooting had occurred at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School in Vračar, an upscale area of the Serbian capital.&nbsp;

The shooter, later identified only as KK, was a seventh-grade student who reportedly opened fire from his father’s gun. The High Public Prosecutor’s office, in a statement, on Friday said that they have detained the father, identified as Vladimir K., who has denied any responsibility.&nbsp;

However, he will face up to 12 years in jail on suspicion of training his son by taking him to target practice and failing to secure arms, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Authorities in Serbia released more details about the shooter who killed eight people in the country’s second mass shooting in two consecutive days, on Friday (May 5).

Authorities in Serbia released more details about the shooter who killed eight people in the country’s second mass shooting in two consecutive days, on Friday (May 5). The young man was wearing a t-shirt with neo-Nazi symbols and was later caught hiding at his grandfather’s house. The incident took place in the Siberian town of Mladenovac’s Dubona village, late Thursday, where the police after an hours-long manhunt arrested the gunman suspected of carrying out the attack. The attack also resulted in the wounding of at least 14 others in the village not too far from Belgrade. The Serbian Interior Ministry said in a statement, “The suspect U.B., born in 2002, has been apprehended in the vicinity of the city of Kragujevac, he is suspected of killing eight people and wounding 14 overnight.” ALSO READ | Serbia: Second mass shooting in two days leaves 8 dead, suspect held State broadcaster RTS said the suspect had been involved in an altercation in a schoolyard, following which he reportedly left to procure an assault rifle and a handgun. Subsequently, he opened fire and continued to shoot at people from a moving car. According to the police, the man fired at people in two other nearby villages before fleeing. The suspect was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning after “an extensive search,” the interior ministry said. They also indicated that an investigation has been launched into the attack. The search for the suspect, who was only referred to by his initials UB, involved over 600 officers, a helicopter, drones and multiple police patrols. It was not until hours later when they found him hiding in his grandfather’s house, where they also discovered hand grenades, an automatic rifle and ammunition, reported Reuters, citing authorities. The police have also arrested UB’s grandfather and uncle. ALSO WATCH | Serbia: 8 dead, 13 injured in second mass shooting in two days | World News | WION Vucic calls for ‘practical disarmament’ of Serbia Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic delivered a sombre address on Friday where he called the incident a “terrorist attack”. He also said that the gunman was wearing a t-shirt with neo-Nazi symbols. “There will be justice. These monsters will never see the light of day,” said Vucic. The Serbian leader further pledged to strengthen security for schools, announcing that 1,200 new police officers will be recruited in the next six months to be deployed to schools across the country. All those injured were born after the year 2000, said the report by RTS. On Friday, Serbian Health Minister Danica Grujicic said that those wounded from the shooting a day prior suffered multiple injuries and underwent surgery, but all were stable. School shooting in Belgrade on Wednesday The incident comes a day after the Balkan country witnessed a school shooting by a 13-year-old. Notably, until this week, despite the country’s high rate of gun ownership, mass shootings were rare. ALSO READ | President Aleksandar Vucic vows to ‘disarm’ Serbia following mass shootings Serbia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement on Facebook that it was informed at 8:40 am (local time) that a school shooting had occurred at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School in Vračar, an upscale area of the Serbian capital. The shooter, later identified only as KK, was a seventh-grade student who reportedly opened fire from his father’s gun. The High Public Prosecutor’s office, in a statement, on Friday said that they have detained the father, identified as Vladimir K., who has denied any responsibility. However, he will face up to 12 years in jail on suspicion of training his son by taking him to target practice and failing to secure arms, reported Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Neo-Nazi symbols, fight in schoolyard: What we know about Serbia’s second mass shooting

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has vowed to completely “disarm” the Balkan country in the wake of back-to-back shootings witnessed within 48 hours.&nbsp;

On Friday, the president ordered a slew of strict gun control measures, including stringent background checks on gun owners, large-scale review of registered weapons in the country, and crackdown on illegal arms.&nbsp;

“We will conduct a revision of all people who possess firearms, around 400,000 of them. After these checks, there will be no more than 30,000 to 40,000 weapons legally owned," Vucic announced as he condemned the latest attack as "terrorism" and "an attack on us all". &nbsp;

He also said that they will impose double the penalties on those carrying illegal firearms and other weapons like knives. The president further said that no new gun permits would be issued.&nbsp;

The gun owners will be also subjected to more frequent psychiatric and psychological tests, as well as ad hoc drug testing, he said.&nbsp;

The Serbian leader further pledged to strengthen security for schools, announcing that 1,200 new police officers will be recruited in the next six months to be deployed to schools across the country.&nbsp;

<h2>Serbia: 8 dead, 13 injured in second mass shooting in two days&nbsp;</h2>

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Even though Serbia ranks among the highest in terms of gun ownership in Europe, mass shootings are extremely rare.&nbsp;

According to an estimate provided by the president, Serbia currently holds more than 760,000 registered firearms in the country of roughly 6.8 million.&nbsp;

The western Balkan regions are flooded with illegal weapons following wars and unrest in the 1990s. &nbsp;

In 2019, it was estimated that there are 39.1 firearms per 100 people in Serbia — the third highest in the world, behind the US and Montenegro, reports BBC.&nbsp;

The tough measures on gun control come following repeated shootings in the country.&nbsp;

A man was on Friday arrested after opening fire from a moving car, killing eight and injuring 14.&nbsp;

That shooting came soon after a boy killed nine people at a school.&nbsp;

Wednesday's attack, where the 13-year-old shot dead eight fellow pupils at his school in Belgrade, as well as a security guard, was Serbia's worst shooting in years.&nbsp;

The second incident occurred in the early hours of Friday near the town of Mladenovac, 60km (37 miles) south of Belgrade, when the shooter opened fire from a moving car.&nbsp;

According to local reports, the suspect, who is said to be in his&nbsp;early 20s, started firing at people with an automatic weapon after having an argument with a police officer in a park on Thursday evening.&nbsp;

He was arrested on Friday morning after "an extensive search", which reportedly involved 600 police officers, the interior ministry said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has vowed to completely “disarm” the Balkan country in the wake of back-to-back shootings witnessed within 48 hours. On Friday, the president ordered a slew of strict gun control measures, including stringent background checks on gun owners, large-scale review of registered weapons in the country, and crackdown on illegal arms.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has vowed to completely “disarm” the Balkan country in the wake of back-to-back shootings witnessed within 48 hours. On Friday, the president ordered a slew of strict gun control measures, including stringent background checks on gun owners, large-scale review of registered weapons in the country, and crackdown on illegal arms. “We will conduct a revision of all people who possess firearms, around 400,000 of them. After these checks, there will be no more than 30,000 to 40,000 weapons legally owned," Vucic announced as he condemned the latest attack as "terrorism" and "an attack on us all". He also said that they will impose double the penalties on those carrying illegal firearms and other weapons like knives. The president further said that no new gun permits would be issued. The gun owners will be also subjected to more frequent psychiatric and psychological tests, as well as ad hoc drug testing, he said. The Serbian leader further pledged to strengthen security for schools, announcing that 1,200 new police officers will be recruited in the next six months to be deployed to schools across the country. Serbia: 8 dead, 13 injured in second mass shooting in two days Even though Serbia ranks among the highest in terms of gun ownership in Europe, mass shootings are extremely rare. According to an estimate provided by the president, Serbia currently holds more than 760,000 registered firearms in the country of roughly 6.8 million. The western Balkan regions are flooded with illegal weapons following wars and unrest in the 1990s. In 2019, it was estimated that there are 39.1 firearms per 100 people in Serbia — the third highest in the world, behind the US and Montenegro, reports BBC. The tough measures on gun control come following repeated shootings in the country. A man was on Friday arrested after opening fire from a moving car, killing eight and injuring 14. That shooting came soon after a boy killed nine people at a school. Wednesday's attack, where the 13-year-old shot dead eight fellow pupils at his school in Belgrade, as well as a security guard, was Serbia's worst shooting in years. The second incident occurred in the early hours of Friday near the town of Mladenovac, 60km (37 miles) south of Belgrade, when the shooter opened fire from a moving car. According to local reports, the suspect, who is said to be in his early 20s, started firing at people with an automatic weapon after having an argument with a police officer in a park on Thursday evening. He was arrested on Friday morning after "an extensive search", which reportedly involved 600 police officers, the interior ministry said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

President Aleksandar Vucic vows to ‘disarm’ Serbia following mass shootings 

A day after a 13-year-old boy used his father's guns in a school shooting rampage that killed eight of his schoolmates and a school guard, at least eight people were killed and 10 wounded late Thursday in a drive-by shooting in a town close to Belgrade.

Serbia: 8 killed, 10 injured in second mass killing in 2 days near Belgrade

In the nation's second mass shooting in as many days, a shooter shot at least eight people and injured 13 others. Hundreds of Serbian special forces are looking for him. According to the nation's Interior Ministry, the massacre happened at 11 p.m. on Thursday in the village of Dubona. According to the national broadcaster RTS, the attacker used an automatic firearm to shoot a crowd of people before escaping.

Serbia: Second mass shooting near a town 50 km South of Belgrade

Serbia: 8 dead, 13 injured in second mass shooting in two days | World News | WION

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Wagner Chief lambasts Russia's Defence Minister, Second mass shooting in Serbia in less than 48 hours, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese frustrated over Assange's detention, China says US should stop its global cyber attacks.

Wagner Chief lambasts Russia's Defence Minister | Second mass shooting in Serbia | WION Speed News

In the aftermath of the killing of eight&nbsp;people in a shooting in the Siberian&nbsp;town of Mladenovac's Dubona village, late&nbsp;Thursday (May 4),&nbsp;Serbian police arrested on Friday a gunman suspected of carrying out the attack. This was the second mass shooting in the country this week. The incident also resulted in the wounding of at least 14 others&nbsp;in a village near Belgrade.&nbsp;

"The suspect U.B., born in 2002, has been apprehended in the vicinity of the city of Kragujevac, he is suspected of killing eight people and wounding 14 overnight," the Serbian Interior Ministry said in a statement. The ministry added that investigation is currently underway.

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic is expected to address the nation at around 10:30 a.m. (0830 GMT).

The incident comes a day after the&nbsp;Balkan country witnessed a school shooting by a 13-year-old.&nbsp; 
 
The incident occurred after&nbsp;an unknown gunman opened fire with an automatic weapon&nbsp;from a moving vehicle, reported the local media. CNN affiliate channel N1 and public broadcaster RTS reported earlier that the&nbsp;shooter remains at large, and a warrant has been issued for a 21-year-old male suspect.&nbsp; 
 
Serbia’s Interior Ministry spokesperson said the incident took place at 11:00 pm (local time) on Thursday night, as per CNN.&nbsp;Serbian Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic called the shooting “a terrorist act,” as per a report by&nbsp;RTS.&nbsp;

The report added that police have&nbsp;cordoned off the area. Images and videos from the scene showed multiple ambulance and police vehicles.&nbsp;

According to news agency AFP, a&nbsp;heavy police presence was deployed and numerous ambulances rushed to the scene, while helicopters were flying over the area.&nbsp;

N1 reported, that all&nbsp;special police units including the anti-terrorism unit, helicopter unit, and police forces from the cities of Belgrade and Smederevo were engaged in the manhunt.&nbsp; 
 
Notably, until this week,&nbsp;despite the country’s high rate of gun ownership, mass shootings were rare. That changed when a 13-year-old boy shot dead nine and injured seven at a school&nbsp;in the capital Belgrade before he surrendered. 
 
School shooting in&nbsp;Belgrade on Wednesday 
 
Serbia's Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement on Facebook that it was informed at 8:40 am&nbsp;(local time) that a school shooting had occurred at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School in Vračar, an upscale area of the Serbian capital.&nbsp; 
 
The shooter was later identified only as KK, was a&nbsp;seventh-grade student who reportedly opened fire from his father's gun.&nbsp;

"We have had too much violence for too long,"&nbsp;psychologist Zarko Trebjesanin told N1, adding that, "Children copy models." 
 
Serbia's&nbsp;Interior Ministry, on Thursday, also issued a warning to&nbsp;gun owners asking them to "store their guns with care, locked up in safes or closets so they are out of reach of others, particularly children."&nbsp;

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In the aftermath of the killing of eight people in a shooting in the Siberian town of Mladenovac's Dubona village, late Thursday (May 4), Serbian police arrested on Friday a gunman suspected of carrying out the attack.

In the aftermath of the killing of eight people in a shooting in the Siberian town of Mladenovac's Dubona village, late Thursday (May 4), Serbian police arrested on Friday a gunman suspected of carrying out the attack. This was the second mass shooting in the country this week. The incident also resulted in the wounding of at least 14 others in a village near Belgrade. "The suspect U.B., born in 2002, has been apprehended in the vicinity of the city of Kragujevac, he is suspected of killing eight people and wounding 14 overnight," the Serbian Interior Ministry said in a statement. The ministry added that investigation is currently underway. Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic is expected to address the nation at around 10:30 a.m. (0830 GMT). The incident comes a day after the Balkan country witnessed a school shooting by a 13-year-old. The incident occurred after an unknown gunman opened fire with an automatic weapon from a moving vehicle, reported the local media. CNN affiliate channel N1 and public broadcaster RTS reported earlier that the shooter remains at large, and a warrant has been issued for a 21-year-old male suspect. Serbia’s Interior Ministry spokesperson said the incident took place at 11:00 pm (local time) on Thursday night, as per CNN. Serbian Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic called the shooting “a terrorist act,” as per a report by RTS. The report added that police have cordoned off the area. Images and videos from the scene showed multiple ambulance and police vehicles. According to news agency AFP, a heavy police presence was deployed and numerous ambulances rushed to the scene, while helicopters were flying over the area. N1 reported, that all special police units including the anti-terrorism unit, helicopter unit, and police forces from the cities of Belgrade and Smederevo were engaged in the manhunt. Notably, until this week, despite the country’s high rate of gun ownership, mass shootings were rare. That changed when a 13-year-old boy shot dead nine and injured seven at a school in the capital Belgrade before he surrendered. School shooting in Belgrade on Wednesday Serbia's Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement on Facebook that it was informed at 8:40 am (local time) that a school shooting had occurred at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School in Vračar, an upscale area of the Serbian capital. The shooter was later identified only as KK, was a seventh-grade student who reportedly opened fire from his father's gun. "We have had too much violence for too long," psychologist Zarko Trebjesanin told N1, adding that, "Children copy models." Serbia's Interior Ministry, on Thursday, also issued a warning to gun owners asking them to "store their guns with care, locked up in safes or closets so they are out of reach of others, particularly children." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Serbia: Second mass shooting in two days leaves 8 dead, suspect held

A 14-year-old suspect in Belgrade killed eight of his schoolmates and a security guard, in a rare mass shooting that has shocked Serbia and the surrounding Balkan region.

Serbia: 8 children, guard killed in school shooting by teenage boy in Belgrade

According to the reports, a 14-year-old boy opened fire inside his classroom and it is being reported that the first target was his History teacher, he then opened indiscriminate fire on his classmates killing eight students and one security guard.

Serbia school shooting: 14-yr-old boy opens fire in classroom, eight students & security guard dead

A tragic shooting incident took place at a school in Serbia's capital Belgrade on Wednesday (May 3), killing a total of nine people, including eight students and a security guard. A teacher and some other students were injured, said the interior ministry.&nbsp;

The ministry added that a 14-year-old boy shot his teacher in the classroom, and after that, he opened fire on other students and security guards. The seventh-grade student had been arrested, the police said.&nbsp;

As reported by news agency Reuters citing a local channel, Milan Milosevic, the father of one of the students at the Vladislav Ribnikar elementary school, said his daughter was in the class when the shooting incident took place. As quoted, Milosevic told broadcaster N1: "She managed to escape. (The boy) ... first shot the teacher and then he started shooting randomly."&nbsp;

The shooter had a 'detailed' plan and list of people he&nbsp;wanted to kill, police said.

The school is located in the central Vracar district and the mayor from there, Milan Nedeljkovic, said doctors were fighting to save the teacher's life. Six children had been hospitalised along with the teacher.&nbsp;

Milosevic, who rushed to the school after the shooting, said, "I saw the security guard lying under the table. I saw two girls with blood on their shirts. They say he (the shooter) was quiet and a good pupil. He recently joined their class."&nbsp;

A girl who attends a high school adjacent to Vladislav Ribnikar told state TV RTS: "I saw kids running out of the school, screaming. Parents came, they were in a panic. Later I heard three shots."&nbsp;

Security in the surrounding region has been beefed up and officers in helmets and bulletproof vests have cordoned-off the area around the school.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A tragic shooting incident took place at a school in Serbia's capital Belgrade on Wednesday (May 3), killing a total of nine people, including eight students and a security guard.

A tragic shooting incident took place at a school in Serbia's capital Belgrade on Wednesday (May 3), killing a total of nine people, including eight students and a security guard. A teacher and some other students were injured, said the interior ministry. The ministry added that a 14-year-old boy shot his teacher in the classroom, and after that, he opened fire on other students and security guards. The seventh-grade student had been arrested, the police said. As reported by news agency Reuters citing a local channel, Milan Milosevic, the father of one of the students at the Vladislav Ribnikar elementary school, said his daughter was in the class when the shooting incident took place. As quoted, Milosevic told broadcaster N1: "She managed to escape. (The boy) ... first shot the teacher and then he started shooting randomly." The shooter had a 'detailed' plan and list of people he wanted to kill, police said. The school is located in the central Vracar district and the mayor from there, Milan Nedeljkovic, said doctors were fighting to save the teacher's life. Six children had been hospitalised along with the teacher. Milosevic, who rushed to the school after the shooting, said, "I saw the security guard lying under the table. I saw two girls with blood on their shirts. They say he (the shooter) was quiet and a good pupil. He recently joined their class." A girl who attends a high school adjacent to Vladislav Ribnikar told state TV RTS: "I saw kids running out of the school, screaming. Parents came, they were in a panic. Later I heard three shots." Security in the surrounding region has been beefed up and officers in helmets and bulletproof vests have cordoned-off the area around the school. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Serbia school shooting: At least nine people killed, including eight students

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Mass shooting in Serbia school, US arrests 288 criminals in Dark Web Bust, 11,000 Hollywood writers demand better pay, Black Sea grain deal.

Mass shooting in Serbia school | US arrests 288 criminals in Dark Web Bust | WION Speed News

'Trees' are the source of life. As the biggest plants on the planet, they give us oxygen for breathing. They also combat air pollution by purifying the air we breathe. They are essential in sustaining life on earth. Usually, the first visual that crosses our mind when we hear 'Tree' is a large bushy plant with a trunk. A tree requires a large space to grow, which is a hefty task to find in dense bustling city streets. A recent innovation, however, solves this issue while giving some respite from air pollution.

Serbian scientists create liquid trees to take on urban pollution

Serbia, the only country in Europe that has refused to sanction Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, agreed to supply arms to Kyiv or has sent them already, according to a classified Pentagon document.

The document, a summary of European governments' responses to Ukraine's requests for military training and "lethal aid" or weapons, was among dozens of classified documents posted online in recent weeks in what could be the most serious leak of U.S. secrets in years.

Entitled "Europe|Response to Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Conflict," the document in chart form lists the "assessed positions" of 38 European governments in response to Ukraine's requests for military assistance.

The chart showed that Serbia declined to provide training to Ukrainian forces, but had committed to sending lethal aid or had supplied it already. It also said Serbia had the political will and military ability to provide weapons to Ukraine in the future.

The document is marked Secret and NOFORN, prohibiting its distribution to foreign intelligence services and militaries. It is dated March 2, and embossed with the seal of the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Reuters could not independently verify the document's authenticity.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's office and the Ukrainian embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Pentagon also did not immediately respond to Reuters questions about the document's reference to Serbia and has previously declined to comment on any of the leaked documents.

Vucic's government has professed neutrality in the Ukraine war, despite the country's deep historic, economic and cultural ties with Russia.

"If this document is accurate, it either shows Vucic's duplicity vis a vis Russia or he's under enormous pressure from Washington to deliver weapons to Ukraine," said Janusz Bugajski, an Eastern European expert with the Jamestown Foundation, a foreign policy institute.

The Justice Department is investigating the leak, while the Pentagon is assessing the damage done to U.S. national security.

The Pentagon chart divided the responses to Ukraine's requests for aid into four categories: countries that had committed to provide training and lethal aid; countries that had already provided training, lethal aid or both; countries with the military ability and the political will "to provide future lethal aid."

Austria and Malta were the only two countries marked "No" in all four categories.

The disclosure of the chart comes just over a month after documents posted in a pro-Russia channel on the Telegram global messaging app purportedly showed the shipment by a Serbian arms maker of 122mm Grad ground-to-ground rockets to Kyiv in November. The documents included a shipment manifest and a Ukrainian government end-user certificate.

Moscow said in March it had asked Belgrade for an official explanation of the alleged deliveries, the state-run TASS news agency quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying.

Arms manufacturer Krusik Corp. of Valjevo denied providing rockets or other weaponry to Ukraine. Vucic called the allegations "a notorious lie."

"We didn't export any weapons or ammunition to Russia or Ukraine," he said during a March 5 visit to Qatar.

Reuters could not independently confirm the authenticity of the shipment documentation posted on Telegram.

Since the war began in February last year, Vucic has tried to balance close ties with Moscow with his goal of joining the European Union.

But Serbia is the only holdout among Europe's 44 countries in imposing sanctions on Russia.

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Serbia, the only country in Europe that has refused to sanction Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, agreed to supply arms to Kyiv or has sent them already, according to a classified Pentagon document.

Serbia, the only country in Europe that has refused to sanction Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, agreed to supply arms to Kyiv or has sent them already, according to a classified Pentagon document. The document, a summary of European governments' responses to Ukraine's requests for military training and "lethal aid" or weapons, was among dozens of classified documents posted online in recent weeks in what could be the most serious leak of U.S. secrets in years. Entitled "Europe|Response to Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Conflict," the document in chart form lists the "assessed positions" of 38 European governments in response to Ukraine's requests for military assistance. The chart showed that Serbia declined to provide training to Ukrainian forces, but had committed to sending lethal aid or had supplied it already. It also said Serbia had the political will and military ability to provide weapons to Ukraine in the future. The document is marked Secret and NOFORN, prohibiting its distribution to foreign intelligence services and militaries. It is dated March 2, and embossed with the seal of the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Reuters could not independently verify the document's authenticity. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's office and the Ukrainian embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Pentagon also did not immediately respond to Reuters questions about the document's reference to Serbia and has previously declined to comment on any of the leaked documents. Vucic's government has professed neutrality in the Ukraine war, despite the country's deep historic, economic and cultural ties with Russia. "If this document is accurate, it either shows Vucic's duplicity vis a vis Russia or he's under enormous pressure from Washington to deliver weapons to Ukraine," said Janusz Bugajski, an Eastern European expert with the Jamestown Foundation, a foreign policy institute. The Justice Department is investigating the leak, while the Pentagon is assessing the damage done to U.S. national security. The Pentagon chart divided the responses to Ukraine's requests for aid into four categories: countries that had committed to provide training and lethal aid; countries that had already provided training, lethal aid or both; countries with the military ability and the political will "to provide future lethal aid." Austria and Malta were the only two countries marked "No" in all four categories. The disclosure of the chart comes just over a month after documents posted in a pro-Russia channel on the Telegram global messaging app purportedly showed the shipment by a Serbian arms maker of 122mm Grad ground-to-ground rockets to Kyiv in November. The documents included a shipment manifest and a Ukrainian government end-user certificate. Moscow said in March it had asked Belgrade for an official explanation of the alleged deliveries, the state-run TASS news agency quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying. Arms manufacturer Krusik Corp. of Valjevo denied providing rockets or other weaponry to Ukraine. Vucic called the allegations "a notorious lie." "We didn't export any weapons or ammunition to Russia or Ukraine," he said during a March 5 visit to Qatar. Reuters could not independently confirm the authenticity of the shipment documentation posted on Telegram. Since the war began in February last year, Vucic has tried to balance close ties with Moscow with his goal of joining the European Union. But Serbia is the only holdout among Europe's 44 countries in imposing sanctions on Russia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Leaked US intel document claims Serbia agreed to arm Ukraine

An unusual occurrence of winter-like weather in spring is sweeping through the western Balkans, which woke up residents of Kosovo to a surprise snowfall. Hem Soraya brings you the report.

Springtime snow in Kosovo blankets Pristina | WION Climate Tracker

Kosovo prime minister Albin Kurti and Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic have arrived in North Macedonia for a fresh round of talks with EU officials on a deal to normalise ties between both nations while thousands of Serbians took to the streets in Belgrade to protest the deal that they fear shall officially recognise Kosovo's independence from Serbia.

Kosovan PM Kurti meets with Serbian president Vucic on West-back EU entry deal

In Global Round-Up by WION, we bring you news from around the world. In today's edition - Three-way naval exercise held with China, Iran in Arabian sea, Kosovo and Serbia fail to sign agreement after marathon talks, Search for survivors continues as several remain missing in Malawi floods.

Three-way naval exercise held with China, Iran in Arabian sea; Kosovo, Serbia fail to sign agreement

Serbia and Kosovo failed to sign a landmark agreement on European-backed deal after marathon rounds and negotiations. The deal aimed to normalise relations between the Balkan neighbours despite this the EU foreign policy Chief hailed the progress on resolving the decade-long dispute.

Serbia, Kosovo fail to sign agreement on normalising ties; both nations need to mend ties to join EU

Tons of plastic, rusted metal, dead animals, and even old furniture; were dumped by illegal tippers. In south-west Serbia, a mountain of waste has created a dam across a lake. Now, workers are using cranes and mechanical diggers to try to remove the environmental hazard. @mohammed11saleh brings you this report.

Illegal waste choking Serbian lake

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Sunday said that the government's request to deploy around 1,000 army personnel and police to Kosovo after clashes between the authorities in Kosovo and Serbs was declined by NATO's mission in Kosovo, KFOR.&nbsp;

In 2008, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia to protect Albanians after the 1998-1999 war during which rump-Yugoslavia, which included Montenegro and Serbia, was bombed by NATO.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kosovo-pm-kurti-submits-a-formal-application-to-join-european-union-543424">Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union</a> 
 
"They (KFOR) replied they consider that there is no need for the return of the Serbian army to Kosovo ... citing the United Nations resolution approving their mandate in Kosovo," said Serbian President Vucic during an interview with the private Pink television.&nbsp;

Serbia requests deployment of troops

Last month, after the war ended, Serbia for the first requested for deployment of military troops in Kosovo after the clashes broke out between Serbs and Kosovo authorities in the northern region, where the former constitute a majority.&nbsp;

The resolution of the UN Security Council resolution says that Serbia should be allowed, if KFOR approves, to deploy its military personnel at the Orthodox Christian religious sites, border crossings and areas where Serbs are present in the majority.&nbsp;

Vucic slammed KFOR for informing about its decision to the Serbian government on the eve of Orthodox Christmas after an off-duty soldier was arrested by Kosovo police for allegedly shooting and hurting two Serbs, who were aged 11 and 21, in the southern town of Shterpce.&nbsp;

Police said that the victims were admitted to the hospital and they did not suffer any life-threatening injuries. The incident was condemned by Kosovo authorities which further escalated tensions.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Kosovo accuses Serbia of supporting Serbs

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Thousands of Serbs protest peacefully in Shterpce&nbsp;

Thousands of Serbs gathered on Sunday to peacefully protest in Shterpce against what they termed as "violence against Serbs".&nbsp;

Head of the Serb List, Kosovo's main Serb party, Goran Rakic, alleged that Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti of making efforts to drive out Serbs.

"His goal is to create such conditions so that Serbs leave their homes. My message is that we must not surrender,” Rakic said.&nbsp;

As per the Serbian media report, another man was allegedly attacked by Albanians on Saturday. The media in Pristina claimed that a Kosovo bus going, that was travelling via Serbia to Germany, was attacked and rocks were used to break its windscreen on the same day.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Sunday said that the government's request to deploy around 1,000 army personnel and police to Kosovo after clashes between the authorities in Kosovo and Serbs was declined by NATO's mission in Kosovo, KFOR.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Sunday said that the government's request to deploy around 1,000 army personnel and police to Kosovo after clashes between the authorities in Kosovo and Serbs was declined by NATO's mission in Kosovo, KFOR. In 2008, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia to protect Albanians after the 1998-1999 war during which rump-Yugoslavia, which included Montenegro and Serbia, was bombed by NATO. ALSO READ| Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union "They (KFOR) replied they consider that there is no need for the return of the Serbian army to Kosovo ... citing the United Nations resolution approving their mandate in Kosovo," said Serbian President Vucic during an interview with the private Pink television. Serbia requests deployment of troops Last month, after the war ended, Serbia for the first requested for deployment of military troops in Kosovo after the clashes broke out between Serbs and Kosovo authorities in the northern region, where the former constitute a majority. The resolution of the UN Security Council resolution says that Serbia should be allowed, if KFOR approves, to deploy its military personnel at the Orthodox Christian religious sites, border crossings and areas where Serbs are present in the majority. Vucic slammed KFOR for informing about its decision to the Serbian government on the eve of Orthodox Christmas after an off-duty soldier was arrested by Kosovo police for allegedly shooting and hurting two Serbs, who were aged 11 and 21, in the southern town of Shterpce. Police said that the victims were admitted to the hospital and they did not suffer any life-threatening injuries. The incident was condemned by Kosovo authorities which further escalated tensions. WATCH | Kosovo accuses Serbia of supporting Serbs Thousands of Serbs protest peacefully in Shterpce Thousands of Serbs gathered on Sunday to peacefully protest in Shterpce against what they termed as "violence against Serbs". Head of the Serb List, Kosovo's main Serb party, Goran Rakic, alleged that Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti of making efforts to drive out Serbs. "His goal is to create such conditions so that Serbs leave their homes. My message is that we must not surrender,” Rakic said. As per the Serbian media report, another man was allegedly attacked by Albanians on Saturday. The media in Pristina claimed that a Kosovo bus going, that was travelling via Serbia to Germany, was attacked and rocks were used to break its windscreen on the same day. (With inputs from agencies)

NATO refuses Serbian government’s request to send troops to Kosovo after clashes

The United States and the European Union have requested both Kosovo and Serbia to deescalate tensions in the border region. Both the US and EU have reached out to the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti in order to find a political solution.&nbsp;"The European Union and the United States of America are concerned about the continued tense situation in the north of Kosovo," the EU and the US said in a joint statement according to AFP.

"We call on everyone to exercise maximum restraint, to take immediate action to unconditionally deescalate the situation, and to refrain from provocations, threats, or intimidation," they added.

Kosovo has been experiencing massive tensions since November after several ethnic Serb workers walked away from their jobs as a mark of protest. They were protesting the decision to ban Serbs in Kosovo from using Belgrade-issued vehicle number plates – a decision that was later overturned.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-funeral-homes-hospitals-overwhelmed-even-as-official-covid-figures-remain-low-547294">China funeral homes, hospitals overwhelmed while official Covid data stays low</a>

With the Serbs sealing off traffic on two border crossings, the authorities decided to completely close down the border. There were also a number of shooting incidents that targeted international peacekeepers as well as the police in Kosovo. Even the Serbian army has been put on high alert.

Both EU and US have urged the Kosovar authorities to not arrest any more ethnic Serbs in an attempt to control the ongoing crisis. The already arrested ones have already been charged.

"At the same time, rule of law must be respected, and any form of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," they further stated in the official statement.

"We also expect Kosovo and Serbia to return to fostering an environment conducive to reconciliation, regional stability, and cooperation for the benefit of their citizens," they said.

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The United States and the European Union have requested both Kosovo and Serbia to deescalate tensions in the border region. Both the US and EU have reached out to the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti in order to find a political solution.

The United States and the European Union have requested both Kosovo and Serbia to deescalate tensions in the border region. Both the US and EU have reached out to the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti in order to find a political solution. "The European Union and the United States of America are concerned about the continued tense situation in the north of Kosovo," the EU and the US said in a joint statement according to AFP. "We call on everyone to exercise maximum restraint, to take immediate action to unconditionally deescalate the situation, and to refrain from provocations, threats, or intimidation," they added. Kosovo has been experiencing massive tensions since November after several ethnic Serb workers walked away from their jobs as a mark of protest. They were protesting the decision to ban Serbs in Kosovo from using Belgrade-issued vehicle number plates – a decision that was later overturned. Also read | China funeral homes, hospitals overwhelmed while official Covid data stays low With the Serbs sealing off traffic on two border crossings, the authorities decided to completely close down the border. There were also a number of shooting incidents that targeted international peacekeepers as well as the police in Kosovo. Even the Serbian army has been put on high alert. Both EU and US have urged the Kosovar authorities to not arrest any more ethnic Serbs in an attempt to control the ongoing crisis. The already arrested ones have already been charged. "At the same time, rule of law must be respected, and any form of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," they further stated in the official statement. "We also expect Kosovo and Serbia to return to fostering an environment conducive to reconciliation, regional stability, and cooperation for the benefit of their citizens," they said.

US, EU urge immediate deescalation at Serbia-Kosovo border amid ongoing crisis

Kosovo and Serbia's main border crossing was opened on Thursday as the roadblocks were removed, said state-run TV as it announced a step towards easing tensions in the region.&nbsp;According to the report, trucks and cars were seen queued in front of the Serbian side's border point where the barricades were placed, as Kosovo police confirmed that they officially re-opened the crossing.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that the barricades will be removed after Brussels and Washington appealed for de-escalation of tensions.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kosovo-pm-kurti-submits-a-formal-application-to-join-european-union-543424">Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union</a>

"Barricades will be removed, but the mistrust remains," said Vucic as quoted by the state-run RTS television on Wednesday, while holding a meeting with representatives of Kosovo Serb.

Almost a dozen of protesters, who were present at a barricade in Rudare, expressed dissatisfaction over the decision of opening the border crossing.

"It makes no sense, we fought for rights that were not fulfilled, we feel cheated, abused," said one of the protesters.

"Why did we come to the barricades, if everything ended this way?," questioned the other protester.

WATCH|&nbsp;Tensions diffuse between Kosovo and Serbia with the removal of roadblocks

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On Wednesday, the Pristina court ordered that the former police officer, whose detention led to Serbs setting barricades, should be released from jail and placed under house arrest.

The main border crossing between Kosovo and Serbia was closed after trucks and tractors were used by the Serbian protesters to stop the traffic.

Since November, tensions have escalated in Northern Kosovo after ethnic Serb workers working as Kosovo's prosecutors, judges and police, walked away from their jobs.

The ethnic Serbs were protesting against the ban imposed on Serbs from using Belgrade-issued vehicle licence plates in Kosovo, a policy which Pristina eventually scrapped.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Kosovo and Serbia's main border crossing was opened on Thursday as the roadblocks were removed, said state-run TV as it announced a step towards easing tensions in the region.

Kosovo and Serbia's main border crossing was opened on Thursday as the roadblocks were removed, said state-run TV as it announced a step towards easing tensions in the region. According to the report, trucks and cars were seen queued in front of the Serbian side's border point where the barricades were placed, as Kosovo police confirmed that they officially re-opened the crossing. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that the barricades will be removed after Brussels and Washington appealed for de-escalation of tensions. ALSO READ| Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union "Barricades will be removed, but the mistrust remains," said Vucic as quoted by the state-run RTS television on Wednesday, while holding a meeting with representatives of Kosovo Serb. Almost a dozen of protesters, who were present at a barricade in Rudare, expressed dissatisfaction over the decision of opening the border crossing. "It makes no sense, we fought for rights that were not fulfilled, we feel cheated, abused," said one of the protesters. "Why did we come to the barricades, if everything ended this way?," questioned the other protester. WATCH| Tensions diffuse between Kosovo and Serbia with the removal of roadblocks On Wednesday, the Pristina court ordered that the former police officer, whose detention led to Serbs setting barricades, should be released from jail and placed under house arrest. The main border crossing between Kosovo and Serbia was closed after trucks and tractors were used by the Serbian protesters to stop the traffic. Since November, tensions have escalated in Northern Kosovo after ethnic Serb workers working as Kosovo's prosecutors, judges and police, walked away from their jobs. The ethnic Serbs were protesting against the ban imposed on Serbs from using Belgrade-issued vehicle licence plates in Kosovo, a policy which Pristina eventually scrapped. (With inputs from agencies)

Serbs remove roadblock between Kosovo and Serbia border crossing as tensions ease

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