Serbian activists oppose demolition of World War II bridge built by Nazis in Belgrade

​​​​​​​By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - A Serbian activist group gathered Wednesday in Belgrade to protest the decision to demolish the Old Sava Bridge that was built by the Nazis during World War II.

The group argued that the bridge, which was built in 1942 and slated Nov. 1 to be demolished by the Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, is historical because it is approximately 100 years old.

Activists marched to another bridge, known by residents as the "Branko Bridge,” to block traffic after a large police presence was at the Old Sava Bridge.

Returning to the Old Sava Bridge, the group urged everyone to camp out.

Police detained the leader of the "Start for Change" movement, Savo Manojlovic.

He was then taken off the bridge and to a police station where an ambulance was called because he had some type of medical issues, according to media reports. Manojlovic was later transferred to the Emergency Center.

Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said Manojlovic was arrested because he tried to break through the police cordon.

He said police would not allow public order to be disrupted and those who are aggressive toward police will be detained.

The removal of tram tracks and asphalt from the Old Sava Bridge began early Wednesday.