Thousands of people took part in a silent demonstration in Serbia’s capital Belgrade to protest the recent gun violence after two mass shootings.
The consecutive mass shootings on Wednesday and Thursday left a total of 19 people dead and 21 injured, according to AP.
A 13-year-old boy had opened fire at his school in Belgrade, killing eight of his classmates and a security guard on Wednesday May 3.
Less than 48 hours later, a man opened fire from a moving car on Thursday evening and the early hours of Friday May 5, killing eight people and injuring 14.
Authorities have since apprehended both shooters.
The consecutive mass shootings have left a total of 19 people dead and 21 injured, according to AP.
Following the events, president Aleksandar Vučić vowed to “disarm” Serbia, prohibiting the country from issuing firearm permits.
He also promised to implement stricter gun controls including frequent psychological background checks.
On Monday May 8, more than 10,000 people gathered in front of the parliament in Belgrade to protest against gun violence and to demand top officials, including the interior minister and the head of the intelligence agency, step down.
“We are here because we can’t wait any longer. We’ve waited too long, we’ve been silent too long, we’ve turned our heads too long,” Marina Vidojevic, an elementary school teacher, told the crowd, the Guardian reported.
“We want safe schools, streets, villages and cities for all children.”
Photos showed thousands of people protesting, with some holding signs that read, “Serbia against violence”.
Serbia has one of the highest gun ownership rates in Europe, and the new measures are expected to reduce almost 90% of gun ownership in the country.
