Issue No. 216 Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 ORDER DELIVERY TO Belgrade’s Stefan Velja, BUNT Festival YOUR DOOR +381 11 4030 303 bookbinders, young inventor delivers [email protected] - ISSN 1820-8339 1 symbol of a with a zest messages and BELGRADE INSIGHT IS PUBLISHED BY 0 1 bygone era for life music
Page 5 Page 9 Page 13 9 7 7 1 8 2 0 8 3 3 0 0 0 Even when the Democrats longas continue to likely is This also are negotiations Drawn-out Surely the situation is urgent Serbia Many of us who have experi - We feel in-the-know because bia has shown us that (a.) no single no (a.) that us shown has bia party or coalition will ever gain the governa - form to required majority negotiations political (b.) and ment, will never be quickly concluded. achieved their surprising result at last month’s general election, quickly it became clear that the - re sult was actually more-or-less the result election other every as same in Serbia, i.e. inconclusive. as Serbia’s politicians form new political parties every time disagree with they their current party - reg 342 currently are (there leader political parties in Serbia). istered the norm. One Ambassador Belgrade-based recently told me he was also alarmed by the distinct lack of urgency among politicians. Serbian “The country is standstill at and a I don’t understand their logic. If they are so eager to progress towards the EU and en - theycome how investors, courage go home at 5pm sharp and don’t work weekends?” overtime. little a warrant to enough Constant state of emergency EDITOR’S WORD Predictability Political By Mark R. Pullen elections Serbian numerous enced rate ourselves as pundits when it comes to predicting election - re sults and post-election moves. our experience of elections in Ser must make - - - keeps Serbia on edge betterNEWS use Serbia remains stuck of bumper in a semi-permanent NEWS state of emergency, harvests “The situation in the party seems “Dacic will eventually side with Nikolic agreed: “The question is Fearing they might not cross the Pensioners leader, Jovan Krkoba - The reported price is the post of In addition, the Socialists are bar Tadic has denied talk of horse- At the same time, Dacic seems re - reach an agreement “If we don’t Source: Balkan Insight (www.balkaninsight.com) Balkan Insight (www.balkaninsight.com) Source: with new security party over which way to turn. extremely complicated, as we try to convince the few remaining lag - gards that we need to move out of one Socialist shadow,” Milosevic’s Party official complained. in a bid to guide his party into Tadic the European mainstream, but much of the membership and many offi - cials may oppose that move.” will the party split or ‘old- back down,” he noted. timers’ threshold to enter parlia - 5-per-cent ment, the Socialists teamed up with Association of Pensioners and the the led by business - United Serbia Party, man Dragan Markovic “Palma”. bic, Palma and Dacic are all pushing for a deal with the Democrats. of deputy PM, with a brief in charge security for the Socialist leader. gaining for other ministries, includ - ing capital investments, Kosovo and education, Belgrade media reported. trading with the Socialists, maintain - ing that ministries would go only to those committed to working for the “strategic goal”. government’s negotiations with luctant to call off the nationalists. with the DSS and Radicals, par ty leadership will decide on future steps”, Dacic announced, following par new country’s of session first the liament on Wednesday. crises constantly While the emerging, ranging minister promises from alleged spies targeted help page 10 and mercenaries to for agriculture, foreign attempts to some experts say destabilise the coun- hile the football world watch - es events unfold at the Euro - the reforms will a strong current also However, Mihajlo Markovic, a founder of Markovic, a prominent supporter Some younger Socialist officials Neighbourhood Matters faces extinction unless it changes. flows in the opposite direction, led by party veterans enraged the Tadic. prospect of a deal with recently warned of a crisis the party, if Dacic opts for the pro-European “nat - bloc, abandoning the Socialists’ ural” ideological partners. of Milosevic during the 1990s, is seen as representative of the “old- timers” in the party who want to stay policies, true to the former regime’s even though these almost ruined the Socialists for good. have voiced frustration over the con - tinuing impasse within their own Football Rebellion Football pean Championships in Austria and pean Championships in Switzerland, Bosnia is experiencing led by fans, play - a soccer rebellion, enraged ers and former stars who are by what they see as corrupt leaders football association of the country’s leaders. W
try and attempted June 13, 2008 Issue No. 1 / Friday, coups. miss their mark if they continue Gordana ANDRIĆ to neglect the page 5 he dramatic news of the discovery of an arms needs of the small stash close to the home of the Prime Minister – and farmers who make conomists are warning that pro - over Serbia’s uncertainty longed “This year has been lost, from the possibly intended for an After eight years of stagnation, the pro-European and nation - With Nikolic believes the Socialists, led “The group of younger Socialists Business Insight Costs Mounting future could scare off investors, lead investors, lead future could scare off to higher inflation and jeopardise prosperity for years to come. says standpoint of economic policy,” Econom - the of Stamenkovic Stojan ics Institute in Belgrade. to Serbia’s late president, Slobodan to Serbia’s Milosevic, and reformists who want the party to become a modern Euro - pean social democrat organisation. the Socialists returned to centre stage after winning 20 of the 250 seats in elections. parliament in the May 11 alist blocs almost evenly matched, the Socialists now have the final say on the fate of country. by Ivica Dacic, will come over to if only out of a pragmatic de - Tadic, sire to ensure their political survival. gathered around Dacic seems to be adding said, Nikolic majority”, the in that these reformists believe the party up the bulk of E Tattack on him - is just the latest in long line of security dramas that are keeping Serbia in a state of nerves. producers. Zoran Stojiljković, a Political Science Professor in Belgrade, told BIRN that Stevan
VELJOVIĆFriday • June 13 2008 the number of these dramas had grown to the point where most people were his year, Serbia marked either over-reacting – or tuning out al- a record harvest of corn together. and wheat, with around THIS ISSUE OF Continued on pages 2 and 3 8 million tons of corn Belgrade Insight Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić. Photo: Beta BY: IS SUPPORTED and 3.1 million tons of on a new gov - ense negotiations ernment have divided the ranks “It looks as if the Socialists will Simultaneous negotiations held This divides “old-timers” loyal Socialist leader Ivica Dacic remains the Serbian kingmaker Socialist leader Ivica Dacic remains Lure of Tadic Alliance Splits Socialists Tadic Lure of government, old pro-EU While younger Socialists support joining a new, over the prospect. revolt Milosevic loyalists threaten in Belgrade By Rade Maroevic wheat produced. which holds of the Socialist Party, of the balance power between the blocs and has yet to announce main which side they will support. move towards a government led by the Democrats,” political analyst Mi - lan Nikolic, of the independent Cen - tre of Policy Studies, said. “But such a move might provoke deeper divi - sions and even split the party.” with the pro-European and national - ist blocs have drawn attention to a deep rift inside the Socialists. T TBoth corn and wheat are significant export products; around half of the New war court could wheat crop and a third of the corn crop are intended for export abroad. However, the return for both produc- ers and Serbia’s economy would be far disrupt Kosovo’s politics greater if these record yields could be exported as finished products, not as If the new Hague-based Special Court In spite of scepticism regarding the Widespread discontent within the raw materials. efficiency of the Specialist Prosecutor’s LDK regarding its current marriage with For this reason, the government has indicts senior politicians for war crimes and Office and the Specialist Chambers - PDK could also bring down the current announced its intention to reshape ag- commonly known as the Special Court LDK leadership in favour of those who ricultural policy so that in the future fin- political killings, it could bring down Kosovo’s - local commentators believe that there opposed the coalition. ished and processed exports become governing coalition and undermine the is a possibility that Kosovo’s political the priority. scene will change, provided that justice ‘CAMPAIGN OF PERSECUTION’ “Our idea is to strengthen the food major parties, experts suggest. is pursued independently and without processing sector and introduce new political interference. According to a 2011 Council of Eu- technologies so we can process the raw Arben QIREZI calls for snap elections but could have a The indictments are likely to bring the rope report, largely endorsed in 2014 materials that we produce,” Branislav profound effect on the overall political governing coalition between the PDK and by an investigation by the European Nedimović, Minister of Agriculture, he first indictments scene in the country. the Democratic League of Kosovo, LDK, to Union Special Investigative Task said on October 26th. from the new Special- The primary targets of these in- an end, since a number of cases may re- Force, a number of unnamed KLA He said that in 2017 and 2018, the pri- ist Prosecutor’s Office dictments are expected to include a late to political violence allegedly perpe- members were allegedly involved in ority would be placed on investments in The Hague for crimes number of top officials from the ruling trated during and after the war by the KLA a “campaign of persecution” against in equipment, machinery, storage and committed during and Democratic Party of Kosovo, PDK, who against people who are now LDK officials. Serbs, Roma and Kosovo Albanians processing sectors that enhance qual- after the war in Kosovo, were part of the senior leadership of the “Indictments would destabilise the believed to be collaborators with the ity and competitiveness and increase Twhich are expected at the end of this Kosovo Liberation Army, KLA, during PDK,” Halil Matoshi, a political com- Belgrade regime. the value of products. year or early 2017, might not only spark the war. mentator from Pristina, told BIRN. Continued on page 8 Continued on page 7
+381 11 4030 306 [email protected] 2 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 3 SERBIA SERBIA
Continued from page 1 Constant state of emergency keeps Serbia on edge
art of the public the EU and the US against the govern- FEBRUARY 2016 The Montenegrin Prosecutor's Office now takes all this ment and Vučić. HAGUE TRIBUNAL ALSO later said it had “reasonable suspicion” information as just In a recent case, Informer in August DESTABILISING SERBIA that a criminal organisation had been political marketing this year published a five-page list of formed in Serbia and Montenegro with and the other half NGOs funded by Soros’ Open Society In February, Interior Minister a plan to attack the police in front of is over-reacting to Foundations from 2011 until 2014, with Stefanović accused the International the Montenegrin parliament once the every“P piece of information,” he said. the telling front-page headline: “Soroš Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yu- results of Sunday’s elections were an- Stojiljković believes that what is go- paid 391,940,146 dinars [3.2 million eu- goslavia, ICTY, of trying to undermine nounced, before taking over the assem- ing on is a form of a permanent elec- ros] for chaos in Serbia.” Serbia’s stability after it called on the bly and declaring that the party of their toral campaigning that has continued Many NGO representatives and jour- country to hand over Radical Party choice had won the polls. now for years. nalists, including Jelena Milić, director leader and war crimes defendant Vo- Vučić also stated that intelligence When the ruling Serbian Progressive of the Belgrade Centre for Euro-Atlantic jislav Šešelj to the court for his verdict. agencies from “both from East and Party first took power in 2012, security Studies, and Dinko Gruhonjić, a jour- Stefanović stated that the court in West” had increased their activities in crises erupted only now and then. nalist, have received death threats The Hague wanted to weaken the Pro- Serbia, and that a senior Serbian police But the dramas rapidly intensified, since the campaign began against them gressives ahead of the general elec- official had been detained for giving to the point that they erupt almost on a in media close to the government. tions in April, and to punish Serbia for operational data to foreign intelligence weekly basis. not joining EU sanctions imposed on agencies. In spite of the alleged gravity of these NOVEMBER 2014 Russia in connection with events in Two days later, Minister Stefanović affairs, the public has - mysteriously - LAWYERS AND Ukraine. said the unnamed arrested police- not been informed of the results of in- MIŠKOVIĆ ATTEMPT TO The Progressives duly won the elec- man had been in contact with a mem- vestigations into any of them. OVERTHROW VUČIĆ tions in April and went on to form an- ber of a “Western” security service for other coalition government with the months. NOVEMBER 2012 In November 2014, Nikola Selaković, Socialists. VUČIĆ: ‘MY PHONE the Justice Minister, announced that se- Šešelj was not sent to The Hague. In NOVEMBER 2016 HAS BEEN TAPPED’ curity agencies had found eavesdrop- the meantime, on March 31st, the ICTY PRIME MINISTER HAS ping devices in the hotel Crowne Plaza declared Šešelj not guilty of crimes TO BE MOVED TO A PLACE Months after the Socialists and Pro- in Belgrade where Vučić had been against humanity including murder, OF SAFETY gressives formed a coalition govern- meeting the Trilateral Commission few persecution and expulsions in Bosnia ment in July 2012, Aleksandar Vučić, days earlier. and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia. On October 29th, Interior Minister then Defence Minister, Deputy Prime While the hotel stated that cameras Stefanović said Vučić had been “moved Minister and Secretary of the Na- were there always, and that clients can JUNE 2016 to safety” after police found a large tional Security Council, told the daily switch them off at any time, Selaković WATERFRONT quantities of weapons hidden close Večernje Novosti on November 1st that a accused controversial businessman PROTESTERS WORKING FOR to his family home in Jajinci, near Bel- group within the Interior Ministry had Miroslav Mišković of being behind the FOREIGN INTERESTS grade. tapped his phone and that of President attempted eavesdropping. Stefanović said police had found Tomislav Nikolić. The minister claimed Mišković was Campaigning groups led by the civic several hand grenades, a bazooka and His conversation was not listened to, working in league with lawyers who movement “Let's Not Drown Belgrade”, large quantities of ammunition for ma- he said, but someone in the police had at the time were on strike, demanding opposed to the government-backed re- chine-guns and snipers, hidden in the entered the mobile network operator, reductions in their taxes to the previ- development of the Belgrade riverside, woods. Serbian Ombudsman Saša Janković. Photo: Beta Telekom, and obtained information ous year’s level because the levies had started a wave of protest rallies early in On November 2nd, Vučić banned about calls he had made and received risen sharply that year. 2015. On June 8th, Vučić admitted that sen- a joint operation with the state security Hahn, accusing Croatia of conducting members of security and state institu- as well as their lengths. Lawyers were also demanding They claimed the redevelopment ior officials in the city were behind the agency, BIA, a man had been arrested anti-Serbian policies and of fomenting tions in charge of his safety from going Vučić, police, experts and the media changes to the competences recently would only benefit the rich and that the demolitions but stated that he was also on suspicion of espionage. nationalism. public with any more information on all gave possible explanations for the granted to notaries, and the resignation deal reached with the UAE-based com- aware that media opposed to the devel- The prosecutor’s office said the sus- the weapons caches reportedly found “phone-tapping scandal”. of the minister. pany Eagle Hills was unconstitutional, opment and “Let's Not Drown Belgrade” pect had both Croatian and Serbian citi- OCTOBER 2016 in and around Belgrade. Some linked it to Vučić’s high-profile Selaković accused both the lawyers not transparent and not in the public were being financed by foreign govern- zenship and had lived in Croatia until SPIES FROM EAST AND WEST The order came after police on No- battle against corruption, others to at- and Mišković of joining forces to over- interest. ments to destabilise the country. 1990, when he moved to Serbia. INCREASING ACTIVITIES vember 1st said they had found a new tempts to cause a rift between him and throw the government. The lawyers’ Protests escalated after the night of The plot claims prompted US am- Tihomir Orešković, then Croatia’s arms stash in a car in a garage in New his Socialist coalition partners, and oth- strike ended in December, after an April 24th, when around 30 masked bassador Kyle Randolph Scott and the Prime Minister, said the man being held On October 25th, Vučić said the au- Belgrade containing 400 grammes of ers to people jockeying for senior posi- agreement with the government was men demolished buildings in the Sava- head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Mi- by the Serbian authorities was not a thorities had arrested several people explosives, a detonator, two mobile tion within the police. reached. mala district where the huge complex chael Davenport, to request a meeting Croatian spy and called the arrest “a who were following the Montenegrin phones for remote activation of the As police vowed to get to the bottom is to be built. with Vučić. provocation”. Prime Minister Milo Đukanović and explosives, a gun and a submachine of the affair, Vučić insisted that “every- The nocturnal action was widely On June 13th, the three met and the The arrest followed months of verbal who were planning illegal activities in gun. JANUARY 2015 Serbian Interior Minister Nebojša Stefanović. Photo: Beta thing would become clear” by the end OMBUDSMAN AND seen as a move by the authorities to ambassadors assured Vučić that the EU clashes between Croatia and Serbia Montenegro. He insisted Serbia had Concerns have been raised that the of the month. EU TAKE AIM AT COUNTRY The Defence Ministry topped this on Foreign Minister Dačić deemed the believed “serious crime groups” were clear the ground quickly for the govern- and US were dedicated to helping Ser- marked by exchanges of inflammatory nothing to do with these actions, which weapons were intended for use against In the event, the public was never AND ARMY January 30th when it called Janković incident an attempted assassination. behind the stalking. ment-backed project. bia on its path towards EU integration. protest notes and harsh statements had connections to an unnamed third Vučić or his brother, after Interior Min- informed of the outcome of an investi- part of an “organised campaign whose However, newspapers and TV sta- from politicians on both sides, accusing country. ister Stefanović said the Prime Minister gation. In two separate affairs in January goal is the ruination of the Serbian NOVEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER 2015 tions seen as close to the government SEPTEMBER 2016 each other of nationalism. He spoke after, on election day in had voiced concerns about the safety 2015, officials accused Ombudsman Army”. PM PASSES POLYGRAPH TEST VUČIĆ WARNED OF claimed that the independent media ALLEGED CROATIAN SPY Vučić wrote in early August to Eu- Montenegro, October 16th, the Monte- of his brother, Andrej. AUGUST 2014 Saša Janković and the European Union IN FEUD WITH KURIR IMMINENT COUP THAT and civic protest movements were ARRESTED ropean Commission President Jean- negrin police arrested a former com- BRUSSELS AND BIRN TRY of attempting to undermine Serbia’s JULY 2015 DIDN’T HAPPEN working under the mentorship of the Claude Juncker, the EU foreign affairs mander of the Serbian Gendarmerie, TO DESTABILISE VUČIĆ stability. VUČIĆ ALMOST ‘ That November, Aleksandar Rodić, EU and US ambassadors to destabilise On September 2nd the Serbian High chief, Federica Mogherini, and to the EU Bratislav Dikić, and accused him of Journalist Milivoje Pantović also con- GOVERNMENT On January 8th, Vučić accused the ASSASSINATED’ IN owner of the taboid newspaper Kurir, On November 15th, the owner and the government. Prosecution Office announced that in Enlargement Commissioner, Johannes planning a coup in the country. tributed to this article. head of the EU delegation, Michael Dav- SREBRENICA once one of Vučić’s media allies, accused editor of Informer, Dragan Vučićevic, No sooner was the new government enport, and the EU, of funding BIRN to Vučić of being part of an attempt to black- urged Vučić not to pay an official visit under Vučić in place than the pro- speak against the government, after In July 2105 Prime Minister Vučić mail him in order to stop him from buy- to China in case a putsch took place in government tabloids started marking BIRN published an investigation into a received an angry reception attending ing up the veteran broadsheet Politika. his absence. independent journalists and NGOs tender for the state-owned power com- the ceremony where 136 victims of the The State Prosecution announced Vučićevic claimed that conspira- as foreign mercenaries, being paid to pany Elektroprivreda Srbije, EPS. 1995 Bosnian Serb massacre at Srebren- it had prevented the destabilisation tors included Deputy Prime Minister destabilise the country. Ombudsman Janković then came ica, eastern Bosnia, were laid to rest. of the country and would investigate Zorana Mihajlović, police officials and After BIRN published the draft agree- under fire on January 14th after he filed Several people threw stones and wa- Kurir’s allegation. some journalists. Mihajlović denied the ments between the Serbian govern- criminal charges against two mem- ter bottles. Bosnian police said several Vučić voluntarily went to the police allegations, saying that Vučić “has my ment and UAE’s Etihad airway on Au- bers of the military police involved in objects hit Vučić in the face and that his for a lie-detector test on November full support”. gust 7th, articles in the pro-government an incident in which members of the glasses were broken. 29th. Hours after the test, Interior Min- The pro-government TV channel newspaper Informer alleged that the Gendarmerie police unit beat up the The attack followed a build-up of ister Nebojša Stefanović announced Pink broadcast the coup allegations in EU was secretly financing journalists brother of Prime Minister Vučić. tension ahead of the 20th anniversary that Vučić had “passed the polygraph”, a series of programmes entitled “Over- and the media organisations BIRN and The incident took place on Septem- of the crime. Vučić had apologised for meaning the accusations against him throwing Vučić.” the Centre for Investigative Journalism, ber 28th, 2014, when several Gendar- the massacre in Serbia’s name but had were false. Vučić said the rumours of an at- CINS. merie members belonging to a unit refused to term an act of genocide, de- At a dramatic press conference that tempted coup, spread by his media It added that journalists from both deployed to secure Belgrade Gay Pride spite verdicts by international courts. included the minister standing in front allies, had turned out to be untrue, but organisations had been stalking Vučić, Parade assaulted four men. Serbia’s security agency also inves- of dozen police officers, some holding claimed that attempts to undermine forcing him to cancel his summer holi- They were the Prime Minister’s tigated the attack after Vučić said he guns, Stefanović denounced another his government were real and ongoing. day. brother, Andrej, Predrag Mali, brother believed that football fan groups from foiled attempt to destabilise the coun- “There is a permanent intent here to These were only the opening salvos of Mayor Sinisša Mali of Belgrade and Serbia were involved. try. undermine the government of Serbia, on independent journalists and NGOs two members of the military police. The Interior Ministry meanwhile He also added that police had ar- but that is not a coup,” he said. that have since intensified to include Pro-government media and politi- said it had received intelligence show- rested a former police officer alleg- Bratislav Gašić, the Defence Minister, dozens of people marked as critics of cians from the ruling Progressive Party ing that extremist groups from the edly connected to Montenegrin crime said that according to secret service as- the government. started a campaign against Janković, mainly Bosniak [Muslim] Sandžak re- groups who were stalking the prime sessments, Vučić was the most endan- Many, including BIRN, have been ac- alleging that he was undermining na- gion of Serbia were present at the com- minister, and said Vučić’s security team gered person in the country, but that cused of working on instructions from tional stability. memoration. had been strengthened, as the police the army stood ready to guard him. 4 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 5 SERBIA BELGRADE
Yugoslav Army commander accused COMMENT of Croatia war crime
The Humanitarian Law Centre NGO said it filed a criminal complaint on November 2nd against Dušan Lončar, the former commander of the Serbia in brief Serbia in brief Finding a Serbian Second Proletarian Elite Motorised Brigade of the Yugoslav People’s Army, accusing him of committing a war crime against Croatian civilians in the village of Lovas in October thread in the Silk Road 1991. According to a statement from the HLC, Lončar ordered the assault on Lovas to drive out Croatian Serbia could fighters, police and any locals who were “showing hostility”. A group of benefit from lower-ranking fighters are currently being retried for the attack on Lovas re-forging its at the Higher Court in Belgrade. In 2014, Serbia’s appeals court historic links annulled the original verdict which convicted 14 fighters of war crimes with the Middle for murdering dozens of civilians during the attack on the village in East and Central 1991. Asia, given the No sanctions on Russia, Minister region’s past
Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica and future Dačić assured Russian politicians in the town of Suzdal on November importance. 3rd that Serbia has no intention of imposing sanctions on Moscow, media reported. “Serbia is consistent in its politics and we will not join Europe’s anti-Russian sanctions,“ media citied Dačić as saying during Dragić says there is no chance one can go bust in this business if one is eager to work. Photo: BIRN/Ivana Nikolić the meeting of the Intergovernmen- tal Serbian-Russian Committee. Dačić also said that Russia is a very reliable partner and a traditional friend of Serbia. Support comes amid unconfirmed media claims that Belgrade’s bookbinders, Russian spies were recently expelled from Serbia, and a joint military drill entitled Slavic Brotherhood, involving the Serbian, Russian and Belaru- Srđan GARČEVIĆ sian armies, which kicked off on symbol of a bygone era November 3rd. erbians have an ambiva- lent attitude towards the Kosovo council remnants of our cultural Belgrade neighbourhood of Vračar. It changes brought on by time wore his kids opened a chandelier shop [in suits and laundry, the family faced its tells Serbs not to links with the Ottomans While there were has been here since 1985, when Dragić most down. the place of his bookbinder shop],“ toughest times during the 1990s. come back and the Middle East, de- and Milica moved from the Braće Dragić however offers another rea- Dragić says. “Throughout 1990s, we engaged in spite sharing the holy trin- once more than Nedića St, where the shop was initially son. Dragić and Milica hope their craft will manufacture. We were making note- Suhareka/Suva Reka municipal Sity of Serbian cuisine- ćevapi, sarma and opened. “It rarely happens in Serbia that the not die once they decide to retire. So far, books, folders and were the first ones assembly members issued a state- burek- with others from the former Otto- 60 journeymen Everything the Grbovićs do here, younger take over the family business,“ all seems well, as their daughter Dani- in Serbia to start producing data maps,” ment saying that Serb families who man territory, from Armenia to Zagreb. they do with their bare hands. Even the old master says. jela and her husband also work here. Milica argues. left Mushtisht/Mustiste after the It is not surprising that the period bookbinders the shop’s machines need a guiding hu- “The children of all those bookbind- The two master bookbinders have two Nowadays, they’ll do anything that war in 1999 should not return. The is not regarded fondly: one of the key man hand to work. ers who died closed down the shops granddaughters, aged 12 and 15, but it brings in money, Dragić says, but the statement came two months after a symbols of Ottoman rule in Serbia is working in The two repair old and damaged [after their parents died]. For example, still remains to be seen whether the family mainly handicrafts carton box- protest by Albanian residents of the Ćele Kula, a tower near Niš constructed books by rebinding their pages with a as soon as one of our associates died, girls will continue preserving the old es, mostly for clothes designers. village who prevented Serb families from the skulls of Serbian soldiers. Belgrade, only a specific technique. craft. Dragić says that bookbinding costs making a visit to their abandoned Even nearly 150 years after the last Ot- Once the sheets But how come the Grbović book- 500-1,000 dinars [around €4-€8], de- homes. Suhareka/Suva Reka’s toman troops left Belgrade, many are still handful remain of a book are The children binder shop has managed to survive pending on clients’ wishes and books’ mayor, Sali Aslannaj, declined to quick to blame current problems, from folded togeth- the past 44 years, taking into account conditions. comment on the municipal council’s low-industrialisation to nepotism and to cautiously er, the stack is of all those dozens who didn’t make it? It takes around hour or hour and a statement, while the Ministry of corruption, on the history of Ottoman then bound “We work 12 hours a day, sometimes half to finish one book, Dragić argues, Local Government, which over- rule and a lingering “Eastern mentality”. Turkey’s soft power has increased in Serbia during the past few years. Photo: Flickr/Moyan Brenn guard the craft. together along bookbinders even on weekends when there is a lot of but it can last as much as one day if a sees decisions taken at a local Thankfully these negative, oriental- one edge by work,“ Milica says. book is damaged and in a bad state. level, downplayed the its relevance. ist views have been receding recently. abounds in fascinating fun facts: a sig- tions in it, as most recently demonstrat- Ivana NIKOLIĆ either sewing who died closed “The most important thing here is Recently, the family has been book- Deputy minister Bajram Gecaj told Turkey’s increasing soft power has Turkey’s nificant portion of trade along the Silk ed by the influx of Syrian refugees. with thread through the folds or by a persistence. How many nights and binding and repairing books owned BIRN that the statement was not seen many Serbians glued to their tel- increasing soft Road in the Middle Ages involved en- Crucially, Frankopan also thinks the e have layer of flexible adhesive. down the shops Sundays have we spent here,“ the lady by the National Bank of Serbia. Dragić voted upon and so does not have evisions to follow the harem intrigues slaved Slavic populations, “ciao” comes Silk Road’s star is rising, driven largely no oth- But how did they come up with the adds, smiling. recalls the times when they were also any legal effect. of Suleiman the Magnificent, and en- from the Venetian dialect for “I am by Chinese efforts to improve transport er job, idea of starting a bookbinding business [after their Almost interrupting her, Dragić says working on books owned by the Na- joying Serbian versions of Turkish power has seen your slave”, and medieval Persians had links to Europe, as well as the copious and we back in the seventies? I ask the pair there is no chance one can go bust in tional Library of Serbia. However, he Serbia releases folk-pop. Economically, stronger ties many Serbians guidebooks to throwing good parties. oil and gas reserves around the Caspian h a v e while both are head down, occupied parents died]. For this business if one is eager to work. claims, the Library now usually gets rid Kosovo Albanian ‘war with the Middle East and Central Asia, Most importantly, it explains the re- Sea. Considering current low oil prices n e v e r with work. Another thing that has changed with of the old damaged books, so you can especially the UAE and Azerbaijan, as glued to their cent turbulent history as a series of cat- and persistent political instability, it will “Wthought of shutting it [the workshop] For a moment, Dragić leaves the times is finding clientele. Now, unlike buy them at local markets. crimes suspect’ example, as soon well as the growing Serbian diaspora in astrophic missteps by the Great Powers probably be a turbulent ascent at best. down,“ says Milica Grbović, who start- book he was working on and starts the old days, one needs to win a bid in “Now you can buy those old books, written by Dostoyevsky, for instance, Hilmi Kelmendi, a Kosovo Alba- Dubai are also re-forging links with the televisions (Britain, US and Russia, among others) Still, Serbia’s growing ties with the coun- ed her bookbinding business with her explaining. The two finished Graphic as one of our order to get a job according to Milica. region. seeking control over resources, rather tries in the region are set to provide many husband Dragić in 1972. School, started working in a bookbind- Despite decades of experience book- for around 100 dinars [less than one nian resident of Germany, who the This change of perception is indeed to follow the than as expression of any innate local opportunities, as seen by increased Chi- “We were always fighting and giving er shop and ultimately bought it when binding and restoring books, making euro]…that is sad,” the old master con- Pristina authorities said had been associates died, timely, as there is global re-evaluation tendencies. Indeed, Frankopan argues nese investment in local infrastructure. our best to produce something new,“ their boss decided to sell the business. carton boxes for coats, hats, swimming cludes, looking around his workshop. arrested by Serbia on war crimes of the region. A recent book, “The Silk harem intrigues that while Europe has historically been Hopefully, these reemergent links Grbović says, as she carefully assem- “We borrowed some money and that charges, is to be released from cus- his kids opened a Roads” by Peter Frankopan, historian torn by wars, it was the Middle East will also result in increased Serbian ex- bles letters and syllabuses on a big is how it all started,“ Dragić recalls. tody, his lawyer told BIRN on Novem- and Director of Oxford Centre for Byz- of Suleiman the and Central Asia that provided calm ports to the region. After all, it was not sheet of paper. The Grbović couple had significantly ber 3rd. “Hilmi Kelmendi leaves jail antine Studies, is a marvellous account grounds for development of science too long ago that ex-Yugoslavia’s mighty The couple are working in their more competition in the 1970s than chandelier shop today. From now on, Mr. Kelmendi is Magnificent, of how the Middle East and Central Asia and culture, from mathematics, astron- Energoprojekt exported its engineering workshop, at a large table covered in today. They say there were around 60 a free man, he can travel freely,” his have been crucial in development of omy to philosophy. know-how across the Middle East or books in various states of repair. Some bookbinders working in Belgrade. To- [in the place of lawyer Sead Spahović said. and enjoying human civilisation. Hopefully this new understanding that Velimir Bata Živojinović, late Ser- books are waiting to be restored and re- day, however, only five or six are still Former KLA member Hilmi Kelmendi The book ambitiously seeks to lift will filter to public perception in Serbia bian actor, was a matinee idol in Beijing bound, and others, with new covers, are in business. What happened to the old his bookbinder was arrested by the Serbian police Serbian the region from obscurity and oriental- and make us re-evaluate Serbia’s past due to Tito’s realisation of potential of waiting to be picked up by owners. masters, I ask. on Saturday. His lawyer said he was shop].“ ist prejudice, and casts it as the beating versions of and future thread in the Silk Road. After trading along the Silk Road. The tiny workshop, full of books, ma- Milica argues that many have de- accused of war crimes on the basis heart of human history, pumping goods all, its geographical position makes Ser- chines, bookbinding equipment and cided to shut down their businesses of one statement from an eyewit- and people, as well as science and reli- Turkish folk- bia inseparably linked to this fascinating Srđan Garčević is a writer and a the lingering smell of glue, is tucked as they could not financially survive ness, but the proceedings were Dragić Grbović gions across Eurasian continent. It also region and susceptible to any tribula- founder of The Nutshell Times blog. away on Maksima Gorkog St 43 in the in a fading market and the cultural stopped due to a lack of evidence. pop. 6 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 7 BELGRADE BUSINESS
Continued from page 1 Belgrade through the eyes of a Gen Y Serbia Whether a neighbour, landlord, taxi driver, colleague, new friend, corner-store owner or fellow bus must make passenger, everyone wants to know your relationship status in Serbia – and “single” just doesn’t seem to better use of cut it. date, telling her “it is normal for bumper older men to have younger girl- friends here.” She was appalled.
In my own case, just about anyone I come across – whether harvests friends, colleagues or cabbies – also apparently moonlight as matchmakers, all with someone Belgrade offers smoke-free places to enjoy your coffee. Photo: Facebook/Przionica owever, experts ques- In the absence of hard information in mind who I should be dating. tion whether the about the latest reform plans, they say Others claim to be more con- planned reforms will small farmers will not benefit from cerned about linguistics as the be much help to the reforms if the priority is placed on in- Emma KRSTIĆ reason why I particularly need to Breathing easy small farmers who vestments in machinery, storage and find a Serbian man, because ap- make up 70 per cent processing. Sitting in an intimate 50-seat I’ve parently there’s no better inspira- lost count of how many times I’ve Hof agricultural producers in Serbia. “What would such investments tion to learn a language than love. been asked why I don’t have a Well, my Serbian definitely needs They also believe that if the govern- mean for the average farmer - who is Serbian boyfriend. At this point, it improving, but I don’t think even in Belgrade ment wants to boost agriculture, it small and isolated and has no chance seems a genuine concern to peo- head-over-heels adoration would should increase the subsidies for small of increasing his farmland, unless he is ple, many of whom seem to liken help me there. finding a partner to supermarket Fed up with the nearly enough for many, especially LA VIA DEL CAFÉ farmers, and make these incentives connected with local political authori- parents, who don’t want to expose This place claims it offers Belgrade’s more stable. ties?” farming expert Đorđe Bugarin shopping in your local Maxi. The hasty approach to finding a partner in Serbia is also some- tobacco haze in their kids to smoke. But don’t despair: best coffee experience. Apart from Agriculture is an important compo- wondered. But this common query is starting thing I’m not used to. While my we’ve gathered a list of smoke-free the Italian coffee, at La Via Del Café nent of Serbia’s exports. The country He said agricultural reform must to irk me, as there is an underly- concept of dating means you cafes and restaurants so you can also sells delicious croissants – so you earned €2.6 billion from exporting food start by providing conditions for small ing current of “you need a man”. Belgrade’s cafes might see someone for many breathe easy. might have just discovered a brand and agricultural products in 2015, net- farmers to expand their farms, for ex- While Serbia is a modern country, months before you decide to and restaurants? new place to eat your breakfast! ting a €1.2bn surplus. ample by leasing state-owned agricul- it’s clear some patriarchal and ‘make it official’, here, two meet- traditional attitudes remain. ings is enough to say that you’re APROPO BOOKSTORE Contact: +381 11 24 54 125 Corn, wheat, raspberries and apples tural land at low prices. together. Don’t worry- there Apropo is a bookstore and teahouse, Address : Vojvode Petka 12 top the list of food export products. “Once that environment is created, I first noticed it soon after mov- offering a rich variety of teas from all www.laviadelcafe.com Serbia would earn far more from it would also make sense to give them ing to Belgrade a year ago when Minister Nedimović says the key task of relevant ministries is to finance “everything that increases competitiveness.” Photo: Beta Even when flirting, speed is ap- are plenty of smoke over the world, especially from regions food exports if it exported meat as op- incentives to buy more productive ma- anyone over the age of 40 would parently of the essence, with a traditionally steeped in tea drinking JAZZA YOGA posed to corn. But the number of live- chines, so they can raise cattle, for ex- er the announced incentives would ture in 2017 budget, he responded that while the law on incentives had also sound shocked that I had relo- Serbian man bluntly dropping the free venues to enjoy cated to Serbia as a single woman. “are you single?” question into a culture like China, Japan, India, Nepal This is a vegan restaurant and café, stock in Serbia has dropped by around ample,” he explained. much benefit small farmers. he was trying to make better use of cur- not been implemented. “You don’t have a boyfriend/ conversation within 30 seconds and Sri Lanka. especially proud of its homemade 20 per cent over the last 25 years, which Bugarin says the economic empow- “I don’t see how the minister intends rents assets because, not all the avail- However, he said agriculture’s falling husband?” men and women alike some free time in. of meeting, which determines if Contact: +381 11 26 25 839 hummus. You can enjoy a full lunch has lowered meat production and erment of small farmers is vital because to increase the size of farms, so they able funds had been spent. share of GDP was not a worrying devel- would ask with consternation. they stick around for a chat or not. Address: Cara Lazara 10 consisting of soup, main dish and a reduced Serbia’s capacity to exports the system in place has not worked in reach an average of at least 20 hectares, Experts said the official silence over opment in itself. Ask other female friends of mine No one is wasting any time. in their twenties and they’ll tell www.apropo.co.rs side salad in a totally non-smoking these products. their best interest for years. which is the average size of a farm in next year’s budget for agriculture sug- This is because it merely reflected you that they also feel the pres- With the importance of family so Ivana NIKOLIĆ environment! Finance Minister Dušan Vujović When it comes to grain, he noted, the European Union,” Prostran said. gests that there will be no significant the growing share of industry in Ser- sure. One twenty-four-year-old tightly woven into Serbian cul- ORGANIC ART Contact: +381 11 30 37 193 warned on October 17th that agricul- farmers have to sell their harvests to He said taking care of the needs of increase in subsidies on offer. bia’s GDP, which was normal in a devel- friend is facing prodding from ture, this could explain a lot about s the weather cools This concept store consists of a Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 48 ture’s share in overall GDP was decreas- exporters who just dictate the price. farmers was the agriculture ministry’s Serbia’s previous government oping economy. her mum to tie the knot with her Address: the focus on finding a partner, and winter looms cafeteria and shop where you can www.jazzayoga.com ing, and that changes have to be made And without public warehouses most important task, while the food changed the rules on subsidies per Prostran аargues that sheer lack of boyfriend of two years, as appar- which extends into many aspects ently they’ve been together long of Serbia’s dating culture – from Belgraders are buy organic food, sandwiches, salads, to address this decline. where they can store their crops, they industry could develop at its own pace. hectare, reducing the entitlement to in- cash poses the greatest danger to the enough and “he has a good job” as the onus put on always being forced indoors. No smoothies, and wine without having to GREENET CAFFE He said Serbian agriculture had also have to sell the crop immediately centives by up to 12,000 dinars [around further development of agriculture. In a cook. Another, a foreigner who immaculately presented to the more sitting out- suffer through clouds of smoke. There are two Greenet Cafes, one to adapt and generate more cash after the harvest, and cannot wait for a CHANGES IN SUBSIDY RULES €100] per hectare. previous years, Serbia’s budget for agri- moved to Belgrade as part of her speed at which things progress to side, enjoying the Contact: +381 11 78 38 074 located in downtown Belgrade and through a higher level of processing, time when the price is better. WERE NOT HELPFUL In a second step, at the beginning of culture was always below 5 per cent of masters’ programme, faced more serious. The pressure is undoubt- overt coercion. Aopen air and warm breezes in side- Address: Drinčićeva 17 the other on Slavija Square. Both offer as well as by producing more organic Farmers sell their corn to slaughter- 2016, small farms up to 20 hectares saw the national budget. edly also even more intense for women, when you throw in the walk cafes and restaurant gardens. www.organicart.rs creative specialty coffee drinks, fresh food. houses, he added, but have little influ- Minister Nedimović says the key their subsidies reduced to a quarter of “The budget for agriculture should Her landlord used to call up every biological clock as well. But as social life in the White City juices and food for dining in or carry ence over that sale price, either, as they task of relevant ministries is to finance the previous amount. reflect its actual contribution to the month to arrange rent collection moves inside, the inevitable heavy DELFI BOOKSTORE SKC out. The other Greenet Cafe locations SMALL FARMERS FEEL are not shareholders in these companies. “everything that increases competi- Experts say such sudden changes in country’s GDP, which is around 10 per and would also always ask if she’d But one retort that anyone ques- found “a nice Serbian boyfriend” indoor cloud of cigarette smoke There is a completely non-smoking in Belgrade are not entirely smoking- NEGLECTED “Slaughterhouses often don’t want to tiveness”, which includes subsidies for subsidy rules, which have happened cent,” he maintained. tioning my relationship status makes it nearly impossible to breathe, cafe hidden inside this bookstore right free but do have areas where smoking recognize the real costs facing the corn mechanization for all kinds of farmers, frequently since 2000, have had a bad “Without increasing the budget for yet, which at times balanced on can’t seem to answer sufficiently the line between chit chat and enough for me to accept as a valid let alone enjoy your food and drink in the heart of Belgrade. is banned. While the size of the average farm in producers and the contribution of the including neglected fruit and vegetable effect on agriculture. agriculture to 10 per cent, we will never harassment. In the end he offered reason to need a partner is: What’s while sitting in a cafe or restaurant. Contact: +381 11 71 55 043 Contact: +381 11 32 38 474, +381 11 36 50 010 Serbia is around 4.5 hectares, and small raw material to the sale price of meat,” producers. Bugarin recalled that in 2014, the gov- have strong development in agriculture, himself up as a possible candi- wrong with being single? And although most establishments Address: Kralja Milana 48 Address: Nušićeva 4, Nemanjina 40 farmers make up the vast majority of ag- Bugarin said. However, when journalists asked the ernment strategy for agriculture up to having in mind that, at the moment, do- have non-smoking areas, it isn’t www.delfi.rs www.greenet.rs ricultural producers, experts say small Milan Prostran, another agricultural minister on October 26th whether he 2024, which envisaged larger funds for mestic funds are the only resources that farmers lack the incentives they need. analyst, said he also questioned wheth- would request more funds for agricul- the sector, quickly became ineffective, we can rely on,” Prostran concluded.
ORDER DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR Find your copy of +381 11 4030 303 [email protected] Belgrade Insight here: http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/ page/subscribe-to-belgrade-insight
LAZAR LUX APARTMENTS HOTEL EXCELSIOR HOTEL JUMP INN TOURIST ORGANISATION OF SERBIA THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL Address: Stjepana Ljubiše 31 Address: Kneza Miloša 5 Address: Koče Popovića 2a Address: Čika Ljubina 8 SCHOOL OF BELGRADE Address: Smetanina 12 MONUMENT HOTEL HYATT BISTRO BAR NATIONAL FOUNDATION Address: Čika Ljubina 9 Address: Milentija Popovića 5 Address: Vojvode Stepe 198 FOR DANCE RADISSON BLU OLD Address: Kolarčeva 3 MILL HOTEL, BELGRADE HOTEL MOSKVA HOTEL CROWN PLAZA SKVER 44 Address: Bulevar Vojvode Misica 15 Požeška 44a Address: Balkanska 1 Address: Vladimira Popovića 10 Address: RESTAURANT BIZU www.radissonblu.com/hotel-belgrade Address: Andre Nikolića 1-3 INTERGALACTIC DINNER HOTEL SQUARE NINE HOTEL VOZAREV RESTAURANT ĐORĐE Address: Internacionalnih brigada 22 Address: Studentski trg 9 Address: Pop Stojanova 16 CAFE CAFFE LOUNGE Address: Moravska 10 Address: Hotel Jugoslavija, Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 85A Address: Vase Pelagića 48 CAFE SNEŽANA HOTEL LE PETIT PIAFF Address: Knez Mihailova 50 Restaurant Mali vrabac MIXER HOUSE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BELGRADE Address: Skadarska 34 Address: Karađorđeva 46 Address: Temišvarska 19 KOLARAC Address: Studentski trg 5 HOTEL MERIOT PIZZERIA ALO-ALO KNJIŽARA APROPO Address: Kolarčeva 7 Address: Vase Čarapića 2-4 Svetozara Markovića 19a Address: Cara Lazara 10 8 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 9 REGION FACES
Continued from page 1 New war court could Stefan Velja, young disrupt Kosovo’s politics inventor with a zest
he alleged crimes in- any party to come close to a majority in clude killings, abduc- the assembly. for life tions, organ harvesting, In the case of an indictment related illegal detentions, drug to politically-motivated murders, the trafficking and sexual LDK could also find itself in a similar An award- violence during and af- position to the PDK, leading to internal Tter the 1998-99 war between the KLA conflict and the eventual break-up of winning and Serbian forces. the party. The Council of Europe Report was “The leadership of the LDK and [op- student whose mainly focused on the activities of the position party] Vetevendosje will be so-called ‘Drenica Group’, which alleg- affected by the Special Court even if revolutionary edly consisted of the top KLA officials, none of its activists is indicted, because including former prime minister and the position of a number of people in anti–thrombosis PDK leader and current president of Ko- these parties depends on the power of sovo, Hashim Thaci, Kosovo Assembly the PDK,” Spahiu claimed. device is chairman and current PDK leader, Kadri “The PDK’s long standing in a posi- Veseli, and other senior PDK figures. tion of power has given the PDK lever- garnering Both Thaci and Veseli have strongly age and it has managed to create clien- denied the allegations. tele-style relations with the leaders of international Thaci has repeatedly said that both rival parties,” he added. he and Kosovo have “nothing to hide”, Matoshi said that he believes that the attention, Velja while at the last Kosovo Assembly ple- ruling coalition could be threatened says knowing nary session, Veseli called on “all wit- by any indictment, which would be fol- nesses to come forward”, saying that he lowed by an internal squabble in the LDK. what makes and his party colleagues supported the “The ruling coalition will fall apart establishment of the Specialist Cham- with the first indictments. Questions you happy is far bers because it was in Kosovo’s interest. will be raised within the LDK, with The Law on the Specialist Chambers the membership asking their leaders, more important and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office, ‘who got into bed with another party, mandated with the authority to pros- whose main officials are accused of war than fame and ecute and try cases “which relate to crimes?’” he said. the [2011] Council of Europe Assembly medals. Report”, was enacted by the Kosovo As- IMPLICATIONS FOR sembly in August 2015. THE POLITICAL SCENE In addition, the law mandated the Natalia ŽABA court to try cases of political violence Changes in Kosovo’s political scene targeting political opponents of the are not easily achieved because the rul- tefan Velja, a 20-year-old KLA leadership. ing parties have managed to establish student in his second year Various reports have claimed that strong clientele-style control over al- of physics at the Universi- there was an organized campaign of most every sector in the country. ty in Novi Sad, has already murders, abduction, illegal detention Corruption, nepotism and lack of gained so many awards and torture targeting close associates proper governance have also stalled that he finds it hard to of the former leader of the LDK and for- Kosovo’s economic and social devel- countS them down. “All in all, I think mer president of Kosovo, Ibrahim Ru- opment, while the lack of impact made the total number is in three digit,” Velja Isa Mustafa and Hashim Thaci. Photo: Prime Minister Office gova, and KLA members loyal to him. by external justice missions, including says. Velja believes the most important goal in life is to know what makes you happy. Photo: Courtesy of Stefan Velja But if its officials are judged guilty by abandon it, because it is in people’s na- deputy transport minister in 2010 two those of the UN and the EU, have made Despite his an- IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PDK the new special court, it could threaten ture to abandon what is being judged, days after being appointed because of many sceptical that the latest legal ef- alytical mind, Today, the “Thrombus guard” is pro- ies in Switzerland, Britain or Germany. “It’s really hard to reach the goal the party’s entire future. especially if allegations against those an alleged abuse of funds while he was forts can make much difference. he admits Seriously, I tected by patent in Serbia, and a patent He says maths is a good basis from when you focus only on success, with- A recent statement by Assembly “If the indictments are proven in the indicted are upheld,” he added. minister of labour and social welfare. Many also believe that the ‘inter- he has prob- on a European level is in the cards. which to answer multidisciplinary out giving yourself a break,” he says. chairman Veseli that early elections Specialist Chambers’ rulings, the PDK’s Ahmet Krasniqi, defence minister in nationals’ in Kosovo have exploited lems with hope that Although he cannot reveal much questions, but even the queen of sci- “It is more important that people pro- could be held if there is a consensus survival will be difficult, because no THE LEGACY OF Rugova’s government in exile, was also the wrongdoings of top politicians to organization about the mechanism until it is fully ences cannot answer every question. gress in things that are important for between Kosovo’s political parties was one will want to continue to identify POLITICAL VIOLENCE shot dead in Tirana in 1998. achieve their own ends, such as ex- and setting my life hasn’t protected in the EU, he says the basic “In maths, you try to solve problem them than spend time on things that widely interpreted as a move linked to with it,” Matoshi said. After the war, several senior KLA tracting concessions to Serbia. priorities. idea is to insert a stent into the blood through pattern analysis, but solving are widely understand as successful the expected indictments. Many in Kosovo believe that the re- Apart from allegations about crimes members loyal to Rugova and some of On the other hand, the current politi- Yet his light- changed with vessel and let it work inside the human life’s problems, for example, can never and important,” he observes, conclud- It is widely believed that a snap cent plenary session of the Kosovo As- against Serbs, Roma and Albanians al- his closest allies were then killed or at- cal leaders are believed to have learned touch approach to his daily schedule, body. be done that way. Anyway, it is scientifi- ing that his next wish is to be better parliamentary vote before the first in- sembly, which was called by the PDK to leged to be collaborators with Slobodan tempts were made on their lives. to use the language of democracy and which he calls one of his infinite disad- the success of “It is a multidisciplinary work, I don’t cally proven that maths cannot explain bridge player and to take part in inter- dictments are filed could serve as an object to last week’s appeals court deci- Milošević’s regime, part of the scope of They included Ekrem Rexha, alias human rights spoken by the interna- vantages, has not prevented him from know when we will be able to start everything,” he says. national competitions. insurance policy for the PDK, which sion to uphold the verdict convicting the special court’s jurisdiction is also Commander Drini, Tahir Zemaj, former tionals, making it seem to both that they becoming one of the most widely re- the ‘Thrombus medical tests, and when the device In the meantime, he keeps plays pi- “We have only one life, and we according to opinion polls continues to ten former KLA fighters from Drenica of politically-motivated murders commit- MP Smajl Hajdaraj, Shaban Manaj, and are having their wishes accomplished. garded young inventors in Serbia - and can be used by the wider public. The ano and guitar, continues to develop his should live it so at the end we’re proud hold the leading position on Kosovo’s war crimes, showed cracks in the party ted from 1998 to 2001. Rugova’s closest friend and adviser, “The extent to which the Special in Europe. guard.’ I think process is long and complicated,” he programming skills and plays bridge – of the things we’ve done, at least I think political scene. ranks over the new special court. A number of LDK leader Ibrahim Ru- Xhemajl Mustafa. Court will influence Kosovo’s political Velja took part in scientific competi- admits. also with success. He recently took part so,” he says. Local political commentators be- “There will be huge disruption within gova’s close associates were murdered Fetah Rudi, the former head of the scene depends on the scope of its ac- tions throughout primary and second- I remain the But the invention has already in a bridge competition in Bulgaria and lieve that the indictments would affect the PDK, because an internal fight will or wounded in attacks during that pe- LDK’s branch in Malisheva/Mališevo, tivities. The wider the scope, the larger ary school, but his breakthrough came brought him prestigious awards from won third place. “We could have been the PDK’s standing. begin, which was already seen in the riod. was also shot immediately after the its influence will be,” argued Spahiu. after he invented a special device that same, I’m just the Romanian Ministry for Develop- better,” Velja says and laughs. “[Indictments] would weaken the recent debate… A fight about who be- These included the attempted mur- 2000 local elections and has remained “If this court truly becomes function- helps fight thrombosis. ment and Innovation, as well as a gold “Seriously, I hope that my life hasn’t pizzeria PDK, but would not eliminate it from longed to who and who supported who der of LDK presidency member Sabri paralysed as a consequence of his in- al and if it is guided by evidence and Without any background in medi- more motivated medal from the Moscow Institute for changed with the success of the the political scene,” Nexhmedin Spa- will break out,” Matoshi argued. Hamiti in 1998 and the killing of Rugo- jury since then. not by politics, and if it has sympathy cine, he started to work on the project Innovation. He also became the young- ‘Thrombus guard.’ I think I remain the "allo-allo" hiu, political commentator and director “Ultimately, if the PDK leadership va’s close friend and ally, the LDK’s head According to allegations made in for the victims and the will to do justice, back in secondary school. to be better, to est Belgian chevalier (Medal of First Or- same, I’m just more motivated to be bet- of Radio Mitrovica, told BIRN. goes to The Hague, people will begin to of public information Enver Maloku, in a televised documentary called ‘Tar- then it would profoundly influence in “In the second class of high school I der of the Kingdom of Belgium Award). ter, to continue with development,” he caffe 1999. get LDK’, broadcast this week on Zona Kosovo’s political scene, emphasising wanted to go to a very special scientific continue with Despite all the glory, he has kept his life says. A number of senior LDK officials who Express, around 100 LDK activists, of- new values instead of the old ones - ar- camp, and in order to do it, I needed to unchanged. Velja believes the most important ONCE KOVAČ, ALWAYS KOVAČ were members of Kosovo’s parallel par- ficials and prominent supporters were rogance, aggression, ethnic cleansing submit a project,” he recalls. development.” Although he received a bursary to goal in life is to know what makes you ONCE ”KAFANA”, ALWAYS ”KAFANA” liament under Serbian rule, including abducted, murdered or wounded be- and other people’s suffering as patriotic “Back then my father had health is- study physics at the Vienna Technical happy, be surrounded by good people, former president Fatmir Sejdiu, were tween 1998 and 2001. and heroic aims,” Matoshi said. sues with thrombosis, so after talking University, after only a year he decided make progress, but also to keep a bal- RESTAURANT KOVAČ modern ethno restaurant held in detention in the KLA-controlled Survivors and relatives of some of However, some still hold out hope to my parents, I proposed a project re- Stefan Velja to come back to Serbia and continue his ance between leisure and work time. Drenica valley for a few days when the victims said they believe the mur- that if some of Kosovo’s leaders are now lated to fighting thrombosis,” Velja told studies in Novi Sad. He isn’t career driven in the way they visited in spring 1998. ders were carried out by KLA members. indicted and tried, it will transform the BIRN. “The programme and speed of its we know it in the 21st century. “Loung- One of them, Gjergj Dedaj, head of the Although none of these cases has political spectrum. Supported by his parents and phys- implementation [at Vienna] didn’t suit ing around and in general dedicating miniscule Liberal Party of Kosovo, said seen indictments or trials so far, the Berianё Mustafa, the daughter of ics teacher, not by any institutions, for me. I realized I could do a lot more by time to things you love to do is really in a TV interview in 2011 that the de- LDK has continuously accused KLA former President Rugova’s murdered medical research purposes he relied brought his idea into reality. The device myself at home, and, if I learn at home, important, no matter what it really is,” tainees were personally interrogated political structures of being behind the friend, Xhemajl Mustafa, said in the on doctors who were family friends to both locates and destroys the blood I prefer to do so where I’m surrounded he says. by Hashim Thaci and that they were murders - but in spite of this, its leader- ‘Target LDK’ documentary that it could advise him and put him in touch with clots that cause thromboembolism, by friends and family,” he says. He also says the automatization Beograd tortured while being questioned. ship has been in coalition with the PDK be the last chance for justice. other specialists. The project was pro- a dangerous condition that threatens According to him, where you finish of life, keeping everything down to a Svetozara Markovica 19a Bulevar Oslobođenja 221, Tel: 011 2462 343 His allegations were made after be- three times, mainly owing to Kosovo’s “The Special Court is our last hope,” posed and the idea was accepted. circulation and other health complica- your Bachelors is not crucial, although schedule, might not always bring the tel. 011/3246 947 www.restorankovac.com ing fired by Thaci from the post of electoral system which does not allow she said. “Our only hope.” After six months of hard work Velja tions and can result in death. he is considering continuing MA stud- results we expect. 323 88 88 10 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 11 OUT AND ABOUT HEALTH AND FAMILY Albanian fairytale village Child abuse revelations a top autumn destination alarm Serbia As child abuse Serbia’s Minister of Labour, Employ- promised to tackle the issue several The remote vil- BIRN Team ment, Veteran and Social Affairs, said times. cases hit the that in 2015, there were 6,520 reports of In order to curb violence against mi- lage of Lepusha, onsidered one of the child abuse. nors, Minister Aleksandar Vulin prom- most beautiful villages headlines in “From 2011-2015, there has been ised that the ministry would propose situated in Alba- in the country, travel an increase in reporting child abuse a law to establish a children’s ombuds- agencies are predicting Serbia, experts cases... the number of reports on child man because “we owe it to them [chil- nia’s mountain- that Lepusha will be- abuse in 2015 increased by 92 per cent dren] that the state and society engages come a must-see des- warn that the in comparison to 2011,” the ministry more in their protection”. tination for Albania’s said. In May 2015, the ministry published ous Kelmend mountain tourism. It said that the most widespread a draft law on the children’s ombuds- The region itself is worth visiting as well. public is not forms of child abuse in 2015 were neg- man on its website, saying that it also region, 180km CKelmend actually comes from the name ligence, physical abuse, exposure to sent the initiative to the Serbian gov- of the patron saint of the region, Saint aware of the extreme poverty and hardship, sexual ernment. north of the capi- Clement, and also stands for a historical abuse and psychological violence. But because Serbia held parliamen- tribe which used to populate the area. scale of the tary elections in April, the ministry said tal, Tirana, draws The Kelmend region consists of a CHILDREN IN FEAR that the process of passing the law now Muslim minority and Roman Catholic problem and say has to be restarted. tourists with its majority, with local people speaking a Vesna Stanojević, adviser to and co- “We are expecting the establish- subdialect of so-called “Gheg” Albanian, that increasing ordinator of Safe Houses in Belgrade, ment of the new Council for Children’s idyllic nature, which is also used by other tribes in the an organisation that offers havens for Rights, a government advisory body, country’s north. numbers of endangered women and children, told which will again initiate the procedure which in autumn According to various documents, the BIRN that in the past several months, for passing the Law on Protector of Kelmend tribe was mentioned for the first children are more children than women have ar- Children’s Rights,” the ministry said in a is adorned with a time in 1497 and is said to have encom- rived at its shelters across the capital. written statement to BIRN. passed 152 households divided into five seeking help. “Children are a lot more endangered The Council is to be set up during the kaleidoscope of small shepherding communities. than we think,” Stanojević said. first 100 days of the new government, it If in the area, be sure to explore beyond “Mothers also usually hide the fact added – which means by the middle of orange and yel- Lepusha to other places such as Nikc, with that their children have been sexually this month. its Catholic church and old school build- Ivana NIKOLIĆ abused. But children are indeed quite Experts argue however that the state low hues. ing - all surrounded by huge mountains. often the victims of sexual assaults, and should ensure that the institutions al- n mid-October, police arrested a [the perpetrators] are fathers in most ready tasked with addressing the issue 44-year-old man in the town of cases,” she added. start working more effectively and that Stanojević believes that media in Serbia “have raised awareness of Photo: Media Centre Belgrade Jagodina on suspicion that he Mira Ivković, a legal advisor at the issue by extensively and in most cases correctly reporting on it”. the laws that have already been adopt- had been sexually abusing his Belgrade-based SOS Telephone for ed are properly implemented. 14-year-old stepdaughter for the Women and Children Victims of “Children who call us are usually The Autonomous Women’s Centre, “I am not for the duplication of in- past five years – one of the latest Violence, which has been operating high school pupils who are afraid what a Belgrade-based NGO, published an stitutions [dealing with child abuse]; I inI a series of child abuse allegations to since 1992, also told BIRN the perpe- will happen to them if their parents dis- extensive study in 2015 entitled ‘Conse- would opt for the more efficient appli- be published by Serbian media in re- trators were often known to the chil- cover they were reported,” she said. quences of Domestic Violence Against cation of laws,” Stanojević said, arguing cent months. dren’s families. On receiving such calls, Ivković’s Women on Children and Public Institu- that Serbia has good legislation but it is According to various media reports, “Sexual abuse of children is in most organisation then turns to Centre for tions’ Response’. It was supported by seldom applied. Serbian police have arrested more than cases done by people very close to the Social Work, asking its workers to visit UNICEF Serbia and financed by the EU. Ivković said meanwhile that Serbia 150 people accused of the sexual abuse families in question,” Ivković said. the families, but without telling parents The study said that domestic vio- already has a lot of institutions, laws of children this year. Ivković said that the helpline has their children reported their alleged lence often affects children’s behaviour, and regulations dealing with violence Experts warn that children are far also received more calls about sexual misdeeds. among other things. against children, but that there are lot more at risk of abuse than the public violence against children recently. “When the social workers come, chil- “In half of the cases children were of problems with how child abuse is realises and that the state must ensure “It could be that more stories in the dren often get frightened and decide calm, in every third case the child was tackled. that the laws protecting children and media [about violence against children] not to say anything,” she explained. restless and disobedient, or irritable “They all promise a lot, but nothing punishing abusers are implemented ef- encourage [victims] and help them de- Annually, around 3,000 people from and prone to shouting. Every fourth happens in reality. It [the children’s om- ficiently. cide to ask for help,” she suggested. all over Serbia call SOS Telephone for child was prone to physical and verbal budsman] might help, but the question They say that the fact that the media Stanojević also believes that media Women and Children Victims of Vio- aggression,” it said. is whether people working there and in is now writing about the issue more in Serbia “have raised awareness of the lence to report domestic violence. other institutions will be skilled profes- often does not mean that it didn’t ex- issue by extensively and in most cases Both Ivković and Stanojević argue ‘HARSHER PUNISHMENT sionals,” she said. ist before, but agree that the increase correctly reporting on it”. that in every family affected by domes- NEEDED’ Serbia also needs harsher jail sen- in newspaper articles and TV reports Ivković said her organisation often tic violence, children are exposed to it tences for perpetrators, Ivković argued. have given victims confidence to speak received calls from children who ask as well – not necessarily physically, but Serbia’s Ministry of Labour, Employ- “Our courts have to work faster as well,” up and ask for help. not to be named. always psychologically. ment, Veteran and Social Affairs has she said.
Published by
A LEADING PROVIDER OF SUBSCRIBE TO NEWS AND ANALYSIS OUR PREMIUM CONTENT IN SOUTHEAST EUROPE for in-depth analysis, investigative reports, features, interviews, commentary and profiles on the latest business and political headlines.
OTHER SERVICES:
Photos: BIRN/Ivana Dervishi 12 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 13 WHAT’S ON ARTS
Japanese CLUBBING Serbian festival exchanges films
AND LIVE MUSIC Spanning the globe, the Japanese Serbian Film Festival first takes
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4th • Cojke, Ludost, Karađorđeva 44, • Hang on until the party place in Belgrade on November Arts in brief Arts in brief 11pm is over, Mr Stefan Braun, 5th-6th, and then the festival moves • Nastia & Traumer, Hangar, • Kid Kimi, Vuk Smiljanić and Nemanjina 4, 11pm to Tokyo on November 12th-13th. Opera, Ballet Knežopoljska 3, 11pm Nevena Jeremić, Gadost, • Rub a Dub, Nemanja The festival is about more than and Classical • Redshape, Marko Karađorđeva 44, 11pm Velimirović and Padre, TRA T T O R I A movies: it’s about getting people Milosavljević, Kristijan • Coolares, Dobrila, Dobračina Gadost, Karađorđeva 44, 11pm to connect and network, while FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4th Molnar, Drugstore, Bulevar 30, 11pm • Dža ili Bu, Dom Omladine, PIZZER I A showcasing the best in contem- Despota Stefana 115, 11pm • DJ Prema – RNB Night, Industrija Makedonska 22, 8pm porary movies that both countries Exhibition: Katarina Ranković, • Begefank žurka + Vojke Djans, Bar, Karađorđeva 23, 11pm • Gibonni, Sava Center, Milentija have to offer. Gallery Haos, Dositejeva 3, 2am KPTM, Žorža Klemansoa 22, • Tranzit Resident DJs, Tranzit, Popovića 9, 8:30pm Nebojsina 8 More information is available at the SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5th 11pm Braće Krsmanović 8, 11pm • Manivi, Elektropionir, Cetinjska 011/3863-999 festival’s website: jsffestival.com. • U9U9, Devet, Kneza Miloša 9, • RNB Night, Industrija Bar, 15, 9pm [email protected] Future Architecture / FuturA 11pm Karađorđeva 23, 11pm Project, Belgrade Cultural Centre, Knez th www.restoranamici.rs Amira Medunjanin • Miss Millie, Ludost, • DJ Night, Jimmy Woo, SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12 at Sava Centre Mihailova 6, 12pm Karađorđeva 44, 11pm Strahinjića Bana 47, 10pm MONDAY NOVEMBER 7th • Aćim & Vlada Eve, Mladost, • Metal Music Festival • DJ Boža Podunavac – 30 If you want to truly experience Karađorđeva 44, 11pm (Percival, Kalevala, Years!, Drugstore, Bulevar Bosnian folk music, particularly the Deli Monday – Association Da Se , Despota Stefana 115, 11pm The festival closes out with a concert by French violoncello player Marc Coppey. Photo: Facebook/Marc Coppey Cellist • Dee, Peppe & Miloš Starčević, Woodscream, Groteska) “sevdalinka,” the right way, then Zna, Grad Cultural Centre, Braće Brankow, Crnogorska 12, 11pm Sioux, Skadarska 40a, 11pm • Tranzit Resident DJs, Tranzit, Amira Medunjanin is the singer to Krsmanović 4, 7pm • Hang on until the party • Streetriffs Fest promo gig Braće Krsmanović 8, 11pm see in concert. She takes on the The Museum of Non-Allience – is over, Mr Stefan Braun, (ŠTAB and ŠTEF), Kuglaš, • RNB Night, Industrija Bar, traditional songs but colours them conference, Museum of Yugoslav BUNT Festival delivers History, Botićeva 6, 10am Nemanjina 4, 11pm Đušina 5, 9pm Karađorđeva 23, 11pm with a modern hue. The December • Rub a Dub, Nemanja • Seine + Klinika Denisa • DJ Night, Jimmy Woo, 8th show will be the Bosnian star’s messages and music TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8th Velimirović and Padre, Gadost, Kataneca, Elektropionir, Strahinjića Bana 47, 10pm third performance Sava Centre. Karađorđeva 44, 11pm Cetinjska 15, 9pm • Get Low – Halloween RNB Party, Tickets cost in between eight and cal talents and recognize the professional the shows looks to break barriers in the Religion and Politics in the TV series • Gift, Dobrila, Dobračina 30, 11pm • Calibro 35, Grad Cultural Center, Underground, Pariska 1, 12am €20, depending on seating. , Dom Omladine, KOLARAC The BUNT classi- successes of the country's artists. world of opera by introducing a more Game of Thrones • DJ Alex Tic- - Flashback, Braće Krsmanović 4, 10pm • Peppe & Miki, Mladost, Makedonska 22, 7pm BUNT stands for Belgrade Artistic New modern element of suspense. The im- Industrija Bar, Karađorđeva 23, • KRUG (EKV Tribute), Karađorđeva 44, 11pm Artist Jelena cal and contempo- Territory, but the word “bunt” itself means mersive production engrosses the audi- 11pm Božidarac Cultutal Center, • Cojke, Ludost, Karađorđeva 44, Marjanović shows THURSDAY NOVEMBER 10th PROGRAMME “insurgence,” highlighting the true goals ence in the action and should make view- • Camera Darlin, boat Port on Radoslava Grujića 3, 9pm 11pm her “Goods” rary music festival and aspirations of the festival. ers feel more like they are watching their , Sava River, 11pm • Coolares, Dobrila, Dobračina Free Zone Film Festival - opening According to the festival’s manifesto, favourite television show than an opera. Sava Centre, Milentija Popovića 9, 8pm SUNDAY th 30, 11pm Serbian painter Jelena Marjanović kicks off in Bel- • Tranzit Resident DJs, Tranzit, NOVEMBER 6 “the country's most important musical The music, composed by Milica Ilić, Festival of Cuban Music and Dance - Braće Krsmanović 8, 11pm • DJ Prema – RNB Night, opens up her new show entitled “Goods” on November 28th at KC grade with a pow- events have been degraded, many have remains assuredly classical in spirit, but opening, Imago Urban Culture Centre, • DJ Goran Starčević, Jimmy • Sunday Beat, Mr Stefan Braun, Industrija Bar, Karađorđeva 23, Dečanska 14, 9pm Grad. The exhibition deals with been left without funding and the open feels very contemporary and modern at Woo, Strahinjića Bana 47, 10pm Nemanjina 4, 11pm 11pm competitions for receiving funding from the same time. Tickets for each perfor- th th consumerism in everyday life, erful statement on , Witch Bar, • Wheels of Steel, Ludost, • Popečitelji, Elektropionir, FIRDAY, NOVEMBER 4 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11th • DJ Disco House showing subjects happy within the state, city or ministries continue to mance cost about five euros at the door. Pariska 13, 10pm Karađorđeva 44, 11pm Cetinjska 15, 8pm the degradation of lack credibility.” Another delightful event takes place Concert Hall, 8pm Music Gallery, 6pm the confines of capitalism. This is Vivaldianno – 3D Concert Spectacle, • Igor Vince & His Drum, • Belgrade Metal United, Dom The event is not political in nature, nor on Wednesday, November 9th. It’s a night Belgrade Philharmonic BUNT Festival Marjanović’s second solo exhibition Kombank Arena, Bulevar Arsenija MONDAY th Omladine, Makedonska 22, 9pm Serbian arts and does it seek a profit. Rather, its goals are dedicated to the Beatles at the Zvezdara Brass and Keys, Elektropionir, NOVEMBER 7 Orchestra Admission free of the year and it will be open to Čarnojevića 58, 8.30pm , Sava Center, Milentija th upholding artistic values and honestly Theatre. The show features many musi- Cetinjska 15, 9pm • Gibonni Conductor: Eiji Oue the public until December 11 . culture. • Celebrity Night, Mr Stefan Popovića 9, 8:30pm Soloist: Stiven Kovačević, piano FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11th engaging public interest. To help accom- cians paying homage to the Fab Four and MONDAY NOVEMBER 14th SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5th Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm Programme: Adžić, Mozart, Concert Hall, 8pm Ranković finds plish that goal, eight of the eleven con- includes popular Belgrade Beatles tribute SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13th Beethoven Guitar Duo inspiration in certs on the festival's programme will be band The Bestbeat. Deli Monday – FAF, Grad Cultural • PANIC Room | Mark Panic TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8th Production: Belgrade Zoran Branković-Relja Trudić Abramović’s work David GALIĆ free of charge. Tickets for the event cost eight euros but Centre, Braće Krsmanović 4, 7pm Exhibition: Petar Delijević, Grad B-Day Party, KPTM, Žorža • Sunday Beat, Mr Stefan Braun, Philharmonic And while the concerts and perfor- all of the money earned that night will go Cultural Centre, Braće Krsmanović 4, Klemansoa 22, 11pm • Dizel Party, Mr Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12th Conceptual artist Katarina Ranković he fourth annual BUNT mances will certainly be of the highest towards buying a new violin for Nemanja th festival, which runs until quality, the organizers of BUNT want to Belaj, a young violin prodigy from Niš. 9.30pm, 8pm • Saturday Night Fever - Dj`s Nemanjina 4, 11pm • Wheels of Steel, Ludost, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 will be holding a live performance Concert Hall, 8pm November 14th in venues make sure that their message rings clear The festival closes out on November Boško Pešić & George, Mr Karađorđeva 44, 11pm at the Haos Gallery on November TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15th Concert Hall, noon Jovan Kolundžija, violin across the city, aims to above all. 14th with a concert by French violoncello Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9th • Jose James, BitefArtCafe, 4th. She calls it “Healing,” and the Baroque at Noon RTS Symphony Orchestra prove that a diverse musi- The festival seeks to combat the cur- player Marc Coppey, who will be accom- Mitropolita Petra 8, 9pm performance explores the idea of Exhibition of Books: The World’s • Halloween Maskenball – Programme: Bach, Muffat Conductor: Stanko Jovanović cal scene still exists in Ser- rent cultural climate in the country, in panied by the Makris Trinity Orchestra • Girls are Gonna Get Wild, Mr emotion in space. The performance Best Narrators, Studentski Grad Danijel Čerhanov, Dooshan Tickets: 300 dinars Programme: Saint Saens, Sarasate, bia by offering a variety of musical events which according to them, artists are tired led by conductor Predrag Gosta. That th will be interactive as Ranković T Cultural Centre, Bulevar Zorana Đinđića and Goran Starčević, Brankow, Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm MONDAY NOVEMBER 14 Bizet free of charge. of professional uncertainty and are slow- performance takes place at Sava Centre 179, 8pm Crnogorska 12, 11pm • DJ Night, Jimmy Woo, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6th Ticket price: 400, 600, 800 dinars will be playing piano in the gallery window for 22 straight hours. She The first BUNT festival of classical and ing losing their enthusiasm, energy and and tickets range from five and eight eu- • Get Low – Halloween RNB Party, Strahinjića Bana 47, 10pm • Celebrity Night, Mr Stefan contemporary artistic music was organ- perspective. ros depending on seating. THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17th Underground, Pariska 1, 12am • Witch Bazar, Witch Bar, Pariska Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm Concert Hall, 11am MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14th says that it was partially inspired by famed conceptual artist Marina ized in 2013, with absolutely no financial One of the most interesting perfor- To see the festival’s full programme • Peppe & Miki, Mladost, 13, 10pm • Max & Iggor Cavalera, Dom Cycle: Kolarac Podium of Exhibition: Milorad Mladenović, Abramović’s “The Artist is Present” help from the state, and since then, the mances is “Mantis Religosa,” a so-called and read more about their manifesto and Karađorđeva 44, 11pm • Behind the Horizon – Concert Omladine, Makedonska 22, 9pm Chamber Music Concert Hall, 8pm festival has strived to support high art “thriller opera,” on November 4th and 5th at mission, visit the festival’s official website: Belgrade Cultural Centre, Trg Republike “Musical embrace” – Spain, Stanislav Binički Artist Ensemble performance. 5, 7pm dedicated to Laza Ristovski, • Jose James, BitefArtCafe, values in Serbia, honour of Serbian musi- Mikser House. Directed by Lucija Dedić, www.bunt.rs. th Center Sava, Milentija Popovića Mitropolita Petra 8, 9pm Serbia, Latin America” 40 Anniversary of the work of Chamber Orchestra Concertante conductor Pavle Medaković 9, 8pm of The Faculty of Arts, University Dejan Sinadinović, piano • Mike Parker's Trio Theory, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15th of Niš Programme: Weber, Wagner, Liszt Grad Cultural Cenrte, Braće Programme: Albeniz, Zlatković, Krsmanović 4, 9pm • Dizel Party, Mr Stefan Braun, Piazzolla, Cervantes, Tomić, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd Nemanjina 4, 11pm Villalobos, Masato, Mifune THURSDAY NOVEMBER 10th • Russian Circles & Helen Production: Music Centre Concert Hall, 8pm Money, Elektropionir, Cetinjska Admission free Kolarac – Your Music World • Alt Tunes!, KST, Bulevar Kralja 15, 8pm Piano Duo Ferhan & Ferzan Onder FREE COPY Aleksandra 73, 11pm • Gibonni, Sava Center, Milentija SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6th Programme: Rachmaninoff, Koria, • SkyHigh, Mr Stefan Braun, Popovića 9, 8:30pm F. Say, Piazzolla Concert Hall, 8pm Production: Music Centre Publisher: BIRN d.o.o. Nemanjina 4, 11pm Concert of Ethno Music – Gusle Ticket Price: 1,500, 1,800, 2,000 Kolarčeva 7/5, 11 000 Belgrade • 2000Late, DOT, Francuska 6, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 16th Ticket price: 500 dinars dinars Phone/Fax: +381 11 4030 300 11pm
Editor in Chief: Gordana Igrić • Auf Wiedersehen, • Girls are Gonna Get Wild, Mr BIRN editorial team: Elektropionir, Cetinjska 15, 9pm Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm Ana Petruševa, Marcus Tanner, • DJ Night, Jimmy Woo, [email protected] FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11th Strahinjića Bana 47, 10pm Sales & Marketing: Marija Petrović Phone: +381 11 4030 302 • Witch Bazar, Witch Bar, Pariska [email protected] • Couple UP - Dancers Invasion, 13, 10pm Subscription & Distribution: KPTM, Žorža Klemansoa 22, 11pm • Falga Jazz Quintet, Grad Goran Knezevic • Tauten night, DOT, Francuska Cultural Center, Braće Modern Serbian Cuisine, Mediterranean and Italian cuisine +381 11 4030 303 6, 11pm Krsmanović 4, 9pm SERBIAN CUISINE THROUGH CENTURIES [email protected] • Hangover - Zap Me Strobe, Mr Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17th Printing: POLITIKA štamparija d.o.o. • Miss Millie, Ludost, ISSN 1820-8339 = Belgrade Insight Karađorđeva 44, 11pm • SkyHigh, Mr Stefan Braun, COBISS.SR-ID: 149132556 • Aćim & Vlada Eve, Mladost, Nemanjina 4, 11pm Circulation: 4,000 Karađorđeva 44, 11pm • Maraqya, Studentski Grad Reservations: +381 11 2607436, www.vagon-victoria.rs Location: Bulevar Zorana Djindjica 44a, New Belgrade • Dee, Peppe & Miloš Starčević, Cultural Center, Bulevar Zorana Working Hours: Mon-Sun 8 a.m. - 1 a.m. Brankow, Crnogorska 12, 11pm Djindjica 179, 8pm 14 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 15 GOING OUT ON THE SPOT More of the same in Savamala
The trio of All in all, it is nothing you haven’t seen before, but that certainly won’t Radost, Mladost be detrimental to the club’s popularity. One reason that Gadost’s owners don’t and Ludost has have to worry about innovating is be- cause the recipe used for the first three added yet another bars continues to work. Just like the rest of the bunch, Gadost brotherly club to attracts a cool crowd of late-20s, early- 30s clubbers who have a solid amount the fold: Gadost. of money in their pockets and aren’t afraid to spend it on pricey cocktails. David GALIĆ Gadost is usually only open on Fridays and Saturdays, but if the party is really he nightclub quartet of Ra- rocking it can stay open as late as 8 in dost (Joy), Mladost (Youth), the morning. Ludost (Craziness) and One of the biggest issues with these now Gadost (Nastiness) small, popular clubs in Savamala is have a great branding con- that the crowds can get unbearable. cept but, while the club For some reason, the people at the door Tnames have diverse meanings, in real- never think to cut off entrance when ity, the clubs are about as different as their the club is full. Not only are they prob- spellings – not very much at all. ably violating various safety codes but Still, they are easily some of the best there is a point where it just simply isn’t and most popular clubs in the now fad- enjoyable to be so cramped, no matter ing Savamala neighbourhood. Gadost, how good the music or atmosphere in since its launch a few weeks ago, is the club is at the time. quickly becoming a popular destina- And usually, it’s a pretty good time tion for clubbers. at Gadost. If you get in early and grab That being said, there really isn’t any- some seats, you should be fine. Of thing new about Gadost. If you were course, it might take a long time to get going to compare Gadost to one of its a drink during peak hours, but the staff brother clubs, it’s probably most like is very friendly and tries to get to every- Ludost, since one of its main character- one as quickly as possible. istics is that it is a very narrow space. The music is almost always of the The interior of Gadost doesn’t offer electronic variety, safely tip-toeing a anything new either. Similar to the oth- middle ground that goes past sugary er affiliated clubs, it is very minimalistic commercial house music but doesn’t and chic with the standard bare brick get all that edgy either. walls and stainless steel bar fixtures. There is no reason you won’t like Ga- Gadost attracts a cool crowd of late-20s, early-30s clubbers. Photo: Facebook The bar is on one side and there’s some dost if you like the rest of the “ost” clubs. Gadost attracts a cool crowd of late-20s, early-30s clubbers. Photos: Courtesy of Adrenalin Escape Rooms high seating with leather bar stools on If nothing else, it might make the rest you like that slightly upscale side of Sa- guaranteed to be rowdy and last deep Gadost the other side. There’s also a small DJ of the clubs a bit less crowded over the vamala and want to spend your week- into the early morning hours, Gadost Address: Karađorđeva 44 booth in one of the corners. winter, but probably not. Either way, if ends somewhere where the parties are checks all those boxes. Contact: +381 69 83 00 770
Jose James plays Queen tribute Making your escape on time two nights at Bitef at Sava Centre Ivana NIKOLIĆ the central Simina St, at 9a, it offers three sorts of Adrenalin Escape Rooms are offered in both Looking for an rooms. English and Serbian. ose James is a modern pop artist that resists labelling. He combines he Bohemians are said to be the world’s best Queen tribute band. They ou might not have noticed it, but Never tried this? Well, this is how it goes. There are three rooms, Tito’s Secret, Tesla’s Ge- jazz and hip-hop to create music that is truly unique and original, will play a special set at Sava Centre on November 19th along with a indoor adventure in the past year Belgrade seems Teams consisting of two to six people are locked nius Mind and Hangover. a real feat in this era when nothing seems to be original any- 25-member symphonic orchestra. This year marks 25 years since to have become packed with es- in a themed room for one hour. During that time, In case you have trouble, the Game Master more. Hailing from Minneapolis, James has long been called Queen’s legendary singer Freddie Mercury died, making the event in the capital? cape rooms - a physical adven- they have to think of how to escape before the can help you with some hints for the next steps. J T ture game where players, locked time runs out. So, you have to pay attention to all There is also a panic button, in case you need to jazz’s voice of the hip-hop generation. even more special. Ranging from jazz and soul to drum ‘n’ bass and other modern sounds, The Bohemians have toured the world with their “The Show Must Go On” tour, ‘Escape rooms’ are in a room, need to use elements sorts of things inside the room, search for hints, get out before the time runs out. in the room itself to solve puzzles and escape gather items and solve puzzles one by one, You can come with friends, family, or even James’ songs and sound know no boundaries. Due to popular de- playing classic tracks from every decade of Queen’s historic musical career. Y within a specific period of time. which eventually leads to the exit. work colleagues for a team-building event. mand, he is going to be playing two consecutive nights at the Bitefart Tickets for the event cost €22. If you want to take your children, kids under eight the latest craze The games, which have spread around the Don’t worry, the game requires no special Apart from Adrenalin Escape Rooms, you can Café on November 13th-14th. Tickets for each night cost about €12. get in free and tickets for children in between the ages of eight to 13 cost €12. sweeping the world like a storm, are physical versions of the training! You just have to relax and enjoy it, and also visit some of the others, such as Escape Game, “escape the room” video games. be sure not to miss anything that can be help- located on Topličin Venac St, at No 3, Escape Land - capital. Belgrade now has many such places. Adrena- ful. Use creativity and logic and rely on team- which operates not only in Belgrade but in Novi Sad, lin Escape Rooms is just one of them. Located on work. Vršac and Palić - Room Escape Beograd, and more.
AIRLINE TICKETS
Cavalera brothers reunite Russian Circles at Elektropionir FOR THE WHOLE WORLD to play classic album Chicago’s Russian Circles, one of Amer- Brazilian brothers Max and Igor Russian DJ Montti ica’s leading post rock bands, will play Cavalera were the driving force behind headlining birthday bash Belgrade for the second time. Known Ukrainian and French seminal metal band Sepultura before Calibro 35 use Italian for their energetic instrumental music, DJs team up for Raveolution acrimoniously splitting up in the late crime movies as inspiration Electronic music party promoters they will be playing Elektropionir on 1990s and heading in separate musical PsychoFusion are celebrating their November 15th. One of the biggest techno parties of the directions. They are celebrating their Playing in KC Grad on November 5th, eighth birthday by bringing Moscow’s Experimental cello player Helen Mon- year, Raveolution features French DJ recent reunion by playing Sepultura’s Calibro 35 creates lively and energetic DJ Montti to Belgrade on November 12th ey will be opening the show. This is her Traumer and Ukrainian colleague Nas- groundbreaking 1996 “Roots” album in jam sessions based on the styles and at Club Plastic. Montti is known for his second appearance in Belgrade, having tia, on November 4th at the Hangar by its entirety. They will be in Belgrade’s musical themes of obscure Italian style of melodic and bombastic psyche- opened for the legendary Jarboe of the Belgrade Port. Tickets for the party Dom Omladine on November 14th. crime movies from the 1960s and delic trance. Tickets for the event cost Swans fame. Tickets for this show are www.flyflytravel.com cost eight euros at the door. Tickets cost €17. 1970s. Tickets for the show cost €12. six euros. €15 at the door. 16 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, November 04 - Thursday, November 17, 2016 ADVERT Map of City Centre
Find your copy of Belgrade Insight here:
The Best National & International Cuisine in BALKAN INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING the Heart of Belgrade NETWORK Skadarska 34 11000 Belgrade Kolarčeva 7 Serbia 11000 Beograd Tel. +381 63 1872222 Serbia Email. [email protected] www.malivrabac.rs
pizzeria
"allo-allo" TEL AVIV HUMMUS HOUSE - ISRAELI caffe CUISINE RESTAURANT 46 Karađorđeva Street Working hours: 00-24 Working hours: Evening events: Food delivery: 09-21 mon – sun thu – sat Picerija Caffe ALO ALO Carice Milice 3, 069/2632 224 09 am – 11 pm 09 pm – 04 am Svetozara Markovića 19a Kičevska 21, 064/58 63 821 Tel: 011 3246 947, 323 88 88 +381 11 26 26 068 FB:facebook.com/Tel Aviv Hummus House mikser.rs telavivhummushouse.com fаcebook.com/mikser.belgrade