Serbian police have arrested six people on suspicion of preparing violence against police and political opponents in the country's parliamentary election on Sunday, prosecutors said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Source: Reuters

The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office said in a statement that five of the suspects were arrested in the northern city of Novi Sad on suspicion of having "incited and encouraged the overthrow of the highest state authorities by force." Prosecutors said they had recruited people whom they intended to bring to Belgrade on election day to attack political opponents and police.

The sixth person, arrested in Belgrade, was suspected of being in charge of training so-called mobile teams for physical confrontations and violence, as if "preparing for war," the prosecutor's statement said. The arrests are allegations under investigation, not established findings of guilt.

A close race after 18 months of protests

Former President Aleksandar Vucic, who resigned as head of state last month, called the early election after 18 months of anti-government protests led by students, Reuters reported. Vucic wants to extend his 12-year hold on power by becoming prime minister.

The election, for Serbia's 250-seat National Assembly on Sunday, October 25, is expected to be a close race between a list backed by Vucic and a student-backed list pledging to fight graft and ensure the rule of law, Reuters and The Tower Post reported. On Wednesday, thousands welcomed groups of marching students into Belgrade while Vucic addressed supporters of his Serbian Progressive Party in the southern city of Nis, The Tower Post reported, adding that international observers have raised concerns about intimidation and unequal campaigning conditions.

Source: The Tower Post