Novak Djokovic defiantly insisted on Wednesday, "It's something I stand for," regarding the controversy over his comments about Kosovo earlier this week at the French Open. On Monday, the 22-time Grand Slam champion wrote, "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence," on a TV camera after his first match at Roland Garros.

"I would say it again, but I don't need to because you have my quotes," he said after making the third round on Wednesday with a straight-sets win over Marton Fucsovics. "I'm aware that a lot of people would disagree, but it is what it is. It's something that I stand for. So that's all."

Djokovic had defended his message in comments to Serb media, saying that Kosovo is Serbia's "cradle, our stronghold".

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/djokovic-brushes-aside-kosovo-row-to-reach-french-open-last-32-598948">Djokovic brushes aside Kosovo row to reach French Open last 32</a>

The International Tennis Federation (ITF), the governing body of the sport, said they had received a request from the Kosovo Tennis Federation demanding Djokovic be sanctioned over his actions. However, they pointed out that such statements do not contravene regulations.

"Rules for player conduct at a Grand Slam event are governed by the Grand Slam rulebook, administered by the relevant organiser and regulator. There is no provision in this that prohibits political statements," an ITF spokesman told AFP.

Djokovic was criticised for his comments about recent clashes in Kosovo by French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera who said he "shouldn't get involved".

Oudea-Castera told broadcaster France 2 that Djokovic's message was "not appropriate, clearly".

"It was a message that is very activist, that is very political."

The Kosovo Olympic Committee (KOC) accused Djokovic of "stirring up" political tensions, a spokesman told AFP.

Djokovic "breached the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter regarding political neutrality and involved yet another political statement in sports", the KOC wrote in a letter sent to the IOC on Tuesday.

KOC head Ismet Krasniqi sought that the IOC initiates disciplinary proceedings against Djokovic, said the letter posted on Facebook.

Such "behaviour cannot be tolerated as it sets a dangerous precedent that sports can be used as a platform for political messages, agendas and propaganda", the letter quoted Krasniqi as saying.

Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina, meanwhile,&nbsp;said that Djokovic should be free to "say his opinion".

Svitolina, who has repeatedly spoken out over tennis' response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, believes players should be able to talk publicly about political issues.

"We are living in a&nbsp;free world, so why not say your opinion on something?," said Svitolina. "I feel like if you stand for something, you think that this is the way, you should say."

"I mean, if you are with a friend sitting, talking, you're going to say your opinion, he is going to say his opinion. So why not?"

Thirty peacekeepers from a NATO-led force in Kosovo were injured in clashes with ethnic Serb demonstrators on Monday during protests against the installation of ethnic Albanian mayors in northern Kosovo after an extremely low-turnout elections boycotted by Serbs.

Kosovo, mostly populated by Muslim ethnic Albanians, broke away from the then-Yugoslavia in the late 1990s and declared independence in 2008, in a move that has never been accepted by neighbouring Christian-majority Serbia or its ally Russia. 
 
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Novak Djokovic defiantly insisted on Wednesday, "It's something I stand for," regarding the controversy over his comments about Kosovo earlier this week at the French Open.

Novak Djokovic defiantly insisted on Wednesday, "It's something I stand for," regarding the controversy over his comments about Kosovo earlier this week at the French Open. On Monday, the 22-time Grand Slam champion wrote, "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence," on a TV camera after his first match at Roland Garros. "I would say it again, but I don't need to because you have my quotes," he said after making the third round on Wednesday with a straight-sets win over Marton Fucsovics. "I'm aware that a lot of people would disagree, but it is what it is. It's something that I stand for. So that's all." Djokovic had defended his message in comments to Serb media, saying that Kosovo is Serbia's "cradle, our stronghold". ALSO READ: Djokovic brushes aside Kosovo row to reach French Open last 32 The International Tennis Federation (ITF), the governing body of the sport, said they had received a request from the Kosovo Tennis Federation demanding Djokovic be sanctioned over his actions. However, they pointed out that such statements do not contravene regulations. "Rules for player conduct at a Grand Slam event are governed by the Grand Slam rulebook, administered by the relevant organiser and regulator. There is no provision in this that prohibits political statements," an ITF spokesman told AFP. Djokovic was criticised for his comments about recent clashes in Kosovo by French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera who said he "shouldn't get involved". Oudea-Castera told broadcaster France 2 that Djokovic's message was "not appropriate, clearly". "It was a message that is very activist, that is very political." The Kosovo Olympic Committee (KOC) accused Djokovic of "stirring up" political tensions, a spokesman told AFP. Djokovic "breached the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter regarding political neutrality and involved yet another political statement in sports", the KOC wrote in a letter sent to the IOC on Tuesday. KOC head Ismet Krasniqi sought that the IOC initiates disciplinary proceedings against Djokovic, said the letter posted on Facebook. Such "behaviour cannot be tolerated as it sets a dangerous precedent that sports can be used as a platform for political messages, agendas and propaganda", the letter quoted Krasniqi as saying. Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina, meanwhile, said that Djokovic should be free to "say his opinion". Svitolina, who has repeatedly spoken out over tennis' response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, believes players should be able to talk publicly about political issues. "We are living in a free world, so why not say your opinion on something?," said Svitolina. "I feel like if you stand for something, you think that this is the way, you should say." "I mean, if you are with a friend sitting, talking, you're going to say your opinion, he is going to say his opinion. So why not?" Thirty peacekeepers from a NATO-led force in Kosovo were injured in clashes with ethnic Serb demonstrators on Monday during protests against the installation of ethnic Albanian mayors in northern Kosovo after an extremely low-turnout elections boycotted by Serbs. Kosovo, mostly populated by Muslim ethnic Albanians, broke away from the then-Yugoslavia in the late 1990s and declared independence in 2008, in a move that has never been accepted by neighbouring Christian-majority Serbia or its ally Russia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

French Open 2023: Novak Djokovic says 'it's what I stand for' in Kosovo 'heart of Serbia' row

NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg has announced the deployment of 700 additional troops to Kosovo. A day after the clashes in the coast of the city of Zvekan, left 30 NATO peacekeepers and 52 Serbian demonstrators injured.

Clashes in Serbia: NATO to deploy 700 additional troops to Kosovo after 30 NATO soldiers injured

The United States on Tuesday (May 30) slammed Kosovo for forcibly trying to install ethnic Albanian mayors in the towns of Kosovo. The move, vehemently opposed by local ethnic Serbs, who make majority in these towns and had boycotted the elections, led to clashes with NATO soldiers. About 30 soldiers were injured. The election to choose the mayors, boycotted by Serbs had seen a paltry voter turnout of 3.5 per cent. Serbs here do not see ethnic Albanian mayors to be their real representatives.

The US expelled Kosovo from an ongoing US-led military exercise in Europe. US Ambassador in Kosovan capital Pristina, Jeffrey Hovenier made the announcement.

"For Kosovo, this exercise is over," Hovenier said in comments to local media in Pristina.

US is the among the biggest international backers of Kosovo and had supported its independence from Serbia in 2008. The expulsion from military exercise is being seen as the first US step to indicate Kosovo that all is&nbsp;not well in the current scenario.

The US ambassador also threatened Kosovo with an unprecedented move to end diplomatic support and stop international lobbying for recognition of the Balkan nation.

Serbia's allies, Russia and China have refused to recognise Kosovo so far. This had kept the nation from having a seat at the United Nations.

"You don’t find a lot of enthusiasm on the part of the United States to respond to Kosovo’s other interests, such as engaging in non-recognisers or working actively to advance Kosovo’s European or Euro-Atlantic trajectory," Hovenier said.

The US ambassador added that "the actions taken by the government of Kosovo...have created this crisis atmosphere in the north".

"We have asked prime minister Kurti very directly to take immediate steps to achieve de-escalation in the north. He has not been responsive to those requests," Hovenier said.

<h2>The clashes</h2>

Kosovan government, on Monday sought to install the ethnic Albanian mayors using police force. The clashes&nbsp;erupted soon. NATO troops had to intervene and control the crowd using shields and baton. Molotov cocktails were hurled at the NATO troops.&nbsp;

A total of 30 peacekeepers — 11 Italians and 19 Hungarians — were wounded in the clashes, according to a KFOR press release.

Among the protesters, 52 were injured, three of them "seriously", while five Serbs were arrested for taking part in the clashes. &nbsp;

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The United States on Tuesday (May 30) slammed Kosovo for forcibly trying to install ethnic Albanian mayors in the towns of Kosovo. The move, vehemently opposed by local ethnic Serbs, who make majority in these towns and had boycotted the elections, led to clashes with NATO soldiers.

The United States on Tuesday (May 30) slammed Kosovo for forcibly trying to install ethnic Albanian mayors in the towns of Kosovo. The move, vehemently opposed by local ethnic Serbs, who make majority in these towns and had boycotted the elections, led to clashes with NATO soldiers. About 30 soldiers were injured. The election to choose the mayors, boycotted by Serbs had seen a paltry voter turnout of 3.5 per cent. Serbs here do not see ethnic Albanian mayors to be their real representatives. The US expelled Kosovo from an ongoing US-led military exercise in Europe. US Ambassador in Kosovan capital Pristina, Jeffrey Hovenier made the announcement. "For Kosovo, this exercise is over," Hovenier said in comments to local media in Pristina. US is the among the biggest international backers of Kosovo and had supported its independence from Serbia in 2008. The expulsion from military exercise is being seen as the first US step to indicate Kosovo that all is not well in the current scenario. The US ambassador also threatened Kosovo with an unprecedented move to end diplomatic support and stop international lobbying for recognition of the Balkan nation. Serbia's allies, Russia and China have refused to recognise Kosovo so far. This had kept the nation from having a seat at the United Nations. "You don’t find a lot of enthusiasm on the part of the United States to respond to Kosovo’s other interests, such as engaging in non-recognisers or working actively to advance Kosovo’s European or Euro-Atlantic trajectory," Hovenier said. The US ambassador added that "the actions taken by the government of Kosovo...have created this crisis atmosphere in the north". "We have asked prime minister Kurti very directly to take immediate steps to achieve de-escalation in the north. He has not been responsive to those requests," Hovenier said. The clashes Kosovan government, on Monday sought to install the ethnic Albanian mayors using police force. The clashes erupted soon. NATO troops had to intervene and control the crowd using shields and baton. Molotov cocktails were hurled at the NATO troops. A total of 30 peacekeepers — 11 Italians and 19 Hungarians — were wounded in the clashes, according to a KFOR press release. Among the protesters, 52 were injured, three of them "seriously", while five Serbs were arrested for taking part in the clashes. 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.

US expels Kosovo from military exercises after ethnic Serb clashes leave NATO troops injured

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vučić has put the Army on the highest level of combat alert. This comes after clashes broke out between cell protesters and NATO peacekeeping forces in northern Kosovo on Monday.

Kosovo: 30 NATO soldiers, 52 ethnic Serbs injured in clashes | World DNA

Around 25 of NATO-led peacekeepers were injured on&nbsp;Monday (May 29) as they clashed with ethnic Serb protesters in north Kosovo. The protesters were demanding removal of ethnic Albanian mayors who were elected in recent elections in northern Kosovo. Serbs in Kosovo had boycotted the elections which took place in northern Kosovan towns. This allowed ethnic Albanians to take control of local councils. The turnout for elections was a minuscule 3.5 per cent.

The Serbian president has put the army on highest level of combat alert.

Last week, Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti officially installed the mayors. He defied calls from the EU and the US to ease the tension. Both, the EU and the US had supported Kosovo's independence from Serbia in 2008.

Watch | Serbian army on combat alert

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Earlier on Monday, groups of Serbs gathered in front of the municipal building in the Serb-majority town of Zvecan and tried to force their way into the building.

AFP reported that the police responded with tear gas and pushed the protesters back as they tried to enter the building.

Many Serbs are demanding withdrawal of Kosovo police forces. Presence of these forces in northern regions of Kosovo has for a long time caused resistance. Serbs do not consider ethnic Albanian mayors to be their true representatives.

<h2>Molotov cocktails hurled at NATO peacekeepers</h2>

<img alt="Kosovo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5e0fd580-a982-409f-bdb2-3e728c669163" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/molotov.jpg" />

NATO-led peacekeepers in the KFOR mission at first attempted to separate protesters from the police. But later they used their shields and batons to disperse the crowd.

Several protesters retaliated&nbsp;by hurling rocks, bottles and Molotov cocktails at the soldiers, but were quickly repelled a few hundred meters away from the Zvecan municipal building.

"The protesters, using violence and throwing tear gas, tried to cross the security cordons and make a forced entry into the municipality facility," Kosovo police said in a statement as reported by AFP.

"Police were forced to use legal means, such as (pepper) spray, to stop the protesters and bring the situation under control."

KFOR condemned the violence.

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"While countering the most active fringes of the crowd, several soldiers of the Italian and Hungarian KFOR contingent were the subject of unprovoked attacks and sustained trauma wounds with fractures and burns due to the explosion of incendiary devices," it said in a statement.

<h2>Kosovo blames Serbia</h2>

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani lashed out at Serbian President Aleksander Vucic and alleged that Serbia was trying to destabilise Kosovo.

"Serb illegal structures turned into criminal gangs have attacked Kosovo police, KFOR (peacekeeping) officers &amp; journalists. Those who carry out Vucic's orders to destabilise the north of Kosovo, must face justice," Osmani tweeted.

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Serb illegal structures turned into criminal gangs have attacked Kosovo police, KFOR officers &amp; journalists. 
 
These unacceptable acts of violence should be condemned by all. Those who carry out Vucic's orders to destabilise the north of Kosovo, must face justice.
— Vjosa Osmani (@VjosaOsmaniPRKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/VjosaOsmaniPRKS/status/1663218288011124740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbia's allies Russia and China have refused recognition. This has prevented Kosovo from having a seat at United Nations.

Ethnic Serbs, especially those in the northern parts of Kosovo have remained largely loyal to Serbia. In this region, they make up the majority and oppose any move by Kosovo to strengthen its hold.

KFOR said it had bolstered its presence in northern Kosovo following the latest developments and urged Belgrade and Pristina to engage in an EU-led dialogue to reduce tensions.

"We call on all sides to refrain from actions that could inflame tensions or cause escalation," KFOR said in a statement. 
Police had already used tear gas Friday to disperse Serbs in northern Kosovo who protested the installation of the mayors.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Around 25 of NATO-led peacekeepers were injured on Monday (May 29) as they clashed with ethnic Serb protesters in north Kosovo. The protesters were demanding removal of ethnic Albanian mayors who were elected in recent elections in northern Kosovo.

Around 25 of NATO-led peacekeepers were injured on Monday (May 29) as they clashed with ethnic Serb protesters in north Kosovo. The protesters were demanding removal of ethnic Albanian mayors who were elected in recent elections in northern Kosovo. Serbs in Kosovo had boycotted the elections which took place in northern Kosovan towns. This allowed ethnic Albanians to take control of local councils. The turnout for elections was a minuscule 3.5 per cent. The Serbian president has put the army on highest level of combat alert. Last week, Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti officially installed the mayors. He defied calls from the EU and the US to ease the tension. Both, the EU and the US had supported Kosovo's independence from Serbia in 2008. Watch | Serbian army on combat alert × Earlier on Monday, groups of Serbs gathered in front of the municipal building in the Serb-majority town of Zvecan and tried to force their way into the building. AFP reported that the police responded with tear gas and pushed the protesters back as they tried to enter the building. Many Serbs are demanding withdrawal of Kosovo police forces. Presence of these forces in northern regions of Kosovo has for a long time caused resistance. Serbs do not consider ethnic Albanian mayors to be their true representatives. Molotov cocktails hurled at NATO peacekeepers NATO-led peacekeepers in the KFOR mission at first attempted to separate protesters from the police. But later they used their shields and batons to disperse the crowd. Several protesters retaliated by hurling rocks, bottles and Molotov cocktails at the soldiers, but were quickly repelled a few hundred meters away from the Zvecan municipal building. "The protesters, using violence and throwing tear gas, tried to cross the security cordons and make a forced entry into the municipality facility," Kosovo police said in a statement as reported by AFP. "Police were forced to use legal means, such as (pepper) spray, to stop the protesters and bring the situation under control." KFOR condemned the violence. "While countering the most active fringes of the crowd, several soldiers of the Italian and Hungarian KFOR contingent were the subject of unprovoked attacks and sustained trauma wounds with fractures and burns due to the explosion of incendiary devices," it said in a statement. Kosovo blames Serbia Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani lashed out at Serbian President Aleksander Vucic and alleged that Serbia was trying to destabilise Kosovo. "Serb illegal structures turned into criminal gangs have attacked Kosovo police, KFOR (peacekeeping) officers & journalists. Those who carry out Vucic's orders to destabilise the north of Kosovo, must face justice," Osmani tweeted. Serb illegal structures turned into criminal gangs have attacked Kosovo police, KFOR officers & journalists. These unacceptable acts of violence should be condemned by all. Those who carry out Vucic's orders to destabilise the north of Kosovo, must face justice. — Vjosa Osmani (@VjosaOsmaniPRKS) May 29, 2023 × Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbia's allies Russia and China have refused recognition. This has prevented Kosovo from having a seat at United Nations. Ethnic Serbs, especially those in the northern parts of Kosovo have remained largely loyal to Serbia. In this region, they make up the majority and oppose any move by Kosovo to strengthen its hold. KFOR said it had bolstered its presence in northern Kosovo following the latest developments and urged Belgrade and Pristina to engage in an EU-led dialogue to reduce tensions. "We call on all sides to refrain from actions that could inflame tensions or cause escalation," KFOR said in a statement. Police had already used tear gas Friday to disperse Serbs in northern Kosovo who protested the installation of the mayors. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Kosovo: NATO troops clash with ethnic Serb protesters, 25 soldiers injured

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

World at War: How is Russia's Wagner Group sending weapons into Sudan?

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

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