Opposition takes to the streets against Milosevic

A new and heavy wave of repression has started in Serbia during the last days. Over the last week protests of youth and workers – including strikes – have multiplied. These protests were obviously much less under the control of the bourgeois opposition and their leaders Draskovic and Djindjic. They had in fact controlled the wave of protests last autumn and drove it into a cul-de-sac by manoeuvres and splits.

The new wave of rallies and strikes brought forth new leaders: individuals making themselves a name, new blocs of independent trade-unions, and a new radical organisation called OTPOR, (Resistance), made up mainly of students and young people.

Already jokes are circulating about the "Opposition leaders" who appeared after the fights were over and asking, if the could help in some way.

The regime has hit back and is targeting the independent media first. On Wednesday 17 May Studio B, a independent TV station was seized by anti-terror squads, all journalists expelled and replaced by Milosevic’s men.

The order that set the special police going was signed by the two government vice-presidents, one member of the JUL, Yugoslav left, the other member of the Radical Party, fascists led by Seslj.

Immediately 80, 000 protesters gathered in front of the Town Hall, the local government is opposition led. They were joined by 20,000 football fans of Red Star Belgrade, who were celebrating the championship.

The regime has also attacked the other independent media. The paper BLIC is no longer printed, the radio stations have had their power cut off or interferred with.

A speaker of the journalist, Tijanic said that with this attack a "nonviolent resolution of the Serbian situation is impossible"