Demonstrators hold Serbian flags and a banner reading "Serbia against violence" as they march during a rally to call for the resignation of top officials and the curtailing of violence in the media. (ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images) Tens of thousands of people are expected in the Serbian capital on Friday for a major rally in support of President Aleksandar Vucic, who is facing an unprecedented revolt against his autocratic rule amid the crisis triggered by two mass shootings that stunned the nation.Answering Vucic’s call for what he called "the largest rally in the history of Serbia," his supporters, many wearing identical T-shirts with his portrait, were being bused to Belgrade from all over the Balkan country as well as neighboring Kosovo and Bosnia.Those working in state firms and institutions were told to take a day off from work to attend the rally in front of the parliament building.
Some said that they were warned that they could lose their jobs if they don't show up on the buses which started arriving hours before the gathering was to start.Serbian officials said the rally promotes "unity and hope" for Serbia.At three large anti-government protests held earlier this month in the capital, demonstrators demanded Vucic's ouster as well as the resignation of two senior security officials.
They also demanded the withdrawal of broadcasting licenses for two pro-Vucic television stations that promote violence and often host convicted war criminals and other crime figures.RELATED: Serbia school shooter had list of students to target, police sayOpposition protesters blame Vucic for creating an atmosphere of hopelessness and division in the country that they say indirectly led to the May 3 and May 4 mass shootings.