Monday Briefing | April 10
A protester holds a banner depicting Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić, during a protest in Belgrade, Serbia on Saturday. (Photo | AP)
Stories to Follow
Impact of US air strikes: Russia has suspended a deal with the US designed to prevent direct conflict between US and Russian forces in response to President Trump’s decision to launch 59 cruise missiles on Thursday. Observers are divided on the motivations for the strike, who is responsible for the gas attack, and the implications for US policy in Syria moving forward.
Protests in Serbia: Protesters took to the streets across Serbia each night this past week, opposing the “dictatorship” and corruption of Aleksandar Vučić. Vučić was elected as president on April 2 in a vote marred by irregularities and media suppression. Hundreds of policemen and soldiers joined the protest in Belgrade on Saturday, following their own rally over low wages and poor living standards. Protesters have stated that the protests will continue every night until Vučić, the government, the Central Election Commission, and the leaders of the public broadcasting networks step down.
Islamic State attacks Egyptian Coptic churches: An explosion outside St. Mark’s Coptic church in Alexandria killed 11 people on Sunday, and an earlier blast at Mar Girgis (St. George) Coptic church in Tanta killed 25. Security forces later located and dismantled two devices at the Sidi Abdel Rahim Mosque, also in Tanta. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the explosions, and it appears they were timed for maximum fatalities as Christians gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday, one of the holiest days in the Christian faith. These bombings were the latest in a series of attacks targeting Egypt’s Christian minority.
Happening This Week
Film Festivals
New York Premiere Film Festival | Therapy NYC, 348 W 52nd Street, 2nd Floor Screening Room
Taking place from April 10-12, New York Premiere showcases films from emerging filmmakers who are LGBT, women, or from ethnic minorities. The location has a full menu and bar, making it a great place to hang out.
Bosnian-Herzegovinian Film Festival | Sva Theatre, 333 W 23rd Street
The Bosnian-Herzegovinian Film Festival takes place late this week and into the weekend. A showcase for contemporary Bosnian cinematography, it has become a celebration of Bosnian heritage, a touchstone for other Balkan expatriate communities, and a unique experience for lovers of international and independent films.
In Your Free Time
If you haven’t made it up to the Greenmarket in Union Square yet, this warm weather gives you a great reason to! It’s open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Pick up some fresh fruits, vegetables, breads and more from local vendors, grab a blanket and a friend, and celebrate the reprieve from rain and finals’ stress with a picnic.
This week’s Monday Briefing is brought to you by Stephanie Sugars.
