Warden Message: Belgrade Expatriates Experiencing Attacks

OSAC.gov ^ | 25 Sep 2009 | n/a

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report Warden Message: Belgrade Expatriates Experiencing Attacks CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS Europe - Serbia 25 Sep 2009

U.S. Embassy Belgrade issues the following Warden Message September 25:

The U.S. Embassy wishes to alert American Citizens to a recent spate of crimes affecting the expatriate community in Belgrade. The Regional Security Office (RSO) states that trends involving physical assaults and gun violence remain a threat to foreigners. The RSO wishes to highlight the some recent criminal events:

· On September 16, 2009, a British citizen was shot outside of the Freestyler boat (Splav) nightclub. The victim was with a group of other expats. It appears he was caught in the crossfire of two rival narcotics gangs near the restaurant.

· On September 17, two French Citizens were violently attacked by a large group of fans of Belgrade’s Partizan soccer team. The attack took place at the Irish Gardens, a popular expat restaurant. The attack took place just prior to the Partizan-Toulouse soccer game. According to the RSO, this incident highlights a rise in soccer hooligan related violence. The RSO recommends avoiding areas where soccer hooligans congregate. The police have arrested 11 of the attackers.

· On September 20, 2009, an Australian citizen was attacked by two youths in a public restroom in Kalemegdan fortress. Witnesses stated that they noticed a group of youths following him after he purchased items in a souvenir shop. There were no provocations or words before the attack. It appears that the individual was attacked because he was speaking English. The police have arrested the individuals responsible for the attack.

Police have reported that over the previous 10 days, three citizens were wounded and one killed during gun fights between local narcotics gangs.

While Belgrade remains a generally safe city, visitors are urged to be aware of their surroundings and to keep a low profile.

American citizens are encourage to review the Country Specific Information for Serbia for additional detailed information about crime and security in country. Americans living or traveling in Serbia are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade through the State Department's travel registration website, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Serbia. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

RELATED REPORTS 18 Sep 2009 WARDEN MESSAGE: POSSIBLE BELGRADE COUNTER PROTEST SEPTEMBER 20

[SunkenCiv]

Ping!

[Malesherbes]

If you aren’t careful you can get yourself beaten up in any city in the world. Belgrade is no exception. In any case, the Serbs have no particular reason to like either Americans or Western Europeans.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Thanks,...I have no plans to visit Anywhere in Europe....or the East coast of the USA...

[SunkenCiv]

:’)

[Bokababe]

It was soccer hooligans in the attack on the French young man. Horribly sad.

Belgraders lit candles and laid flowers outside the French embassy in his honor. Belgrade also had a day of mourning for him and flew flags at half-mast.

That's could be more than many would have done in any Western city had something like this happened.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks BB.