Original article (in Serbian) was published on 11/12/2023; Author: Ivan Subotić
The news website Ozonpress, and the Facebook page SM info, published a photograph on December 10, 2023, depicting a large crowd carrying umbrellas. This image was purported to represent attendees at the “March for Sajam” protest to express their opposition to the demolition of the Sajam building in Belgrade.
The SM info page captioned the image “Currently in Belgrade.” Similarly, Ozonpress captioned it with “Despite the rain, a large number of Belgraders marched for Sajam.” However, the photograph in question was not captured during the recent “March for Sajam” but rather in late May of this year at the fourth installment of the “Serbia against violence” protest.
The photo clearly shows a portion of Palilula Market in the top left corner, situated in Belgrade between Ilija Garasanin and Major Ilic streets. Notably, this photo of people marching with umbrellas was taken on Ilija Garasanin Street. The photographer, Dragan Stojkic, is credited with the image. It was shared on social networks on May 28 this year, one day following the rain-affected fourth “Serbia against violence” protest.
On the other hand, participants in yesterday’s “March for Sajam” moved from Manjez Park to Belgrade Sajam. The route taken by these demonstrators made it unlikely for them to pass through Ilija Garasanin Street or near Palilula Market.
The initiative “Kreni promeni,” responsible for organizing the “March for Sajam,” shared the demonstrators’ planned path yesterday. According to the announced route, the march commenced at the intersection of Svetozar Markovic and King Milan streets. The protesters then proceeded through Slavija Square, making their way down Nemanjina Street to reach Sava Square. Subsequently, the group traversed part of Karadjordjeva Street, made a left turn onto Woodrow Wilson Boulevard, and continued towards Sajam.