Belgrade was in uproar Tuesday as hundreds protested the planned demolition of a historic army headquarters, making way for a luxury hotel project spearheaded by Jared Kushner. While the Serbian parliament facilitated this move with a special law, many see it as erasing significant cultural heritage.
This demonstration comes amidst rising tensions. The headquarters, subject to US-led NATO bombing in the 1990s, was controversially stripped of its cultural asset status before being leased to Kushner’s company in 2024.
“This government has decided to pass a special law to legalize its crime,” student Valentina Moravcevic told N1 TV.
The outcry has seen public figures and activists from around the globe rally in solidarity, contributing to a robust debate on historical preservation versus modern development.
Could this protest be a pivotal moment in balancing economic interests with cultural preservation values? Share your thoughts.