site.btaSerbian Socialist Party Deputy Chair Ruzic Suspended for Participating in Anti-government Protest

Socialist Party of Serbia Deputy Chairman Branko Ruzic has been suspended for six months because of his participation in the anti-government protest in Belgrade on March 15, the party said on its official website Saturday. The announcement said Ruzic's suspension was for violating party decisions and for his participation in a protest against a government in which the Socialist Party of Serbia is a coalition partner.

"Society is becoming polarised. I could be Giordano Bruno and be burned at the stake", Ruzic said, quoted by Serbian media.

Socialist Party of Serbia Chairman Ivica Dacic is Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister in the outgoing government.

Days ago, the Socialists decided that they would support the formation of a new government and continue to participate in the government in coalition with the Serbian Progressive Party.