Lithium protest in Serbia

Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister for Renewable Energy, Elnur Soltanov, expressed concern over Armenia's emergency shutdown of its only nuclear reactor, hinting at potential issues with the technology being used. This incident followed a lightning strike that temporarily disconnected the Metsamor nuclear plant from the grid. In Serbia, protests against a significant EU-backed lithium mining project have surged, with thousands gathered to criticize the government for suppressing environmental activists. Activists claim the mining project poses a severe risk to the environment, while Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic dismisses the protests as a Western-backed attempt to undermine his authority. Reports indicate that between 30 to 60 activists have been detained during recent protests, prompting further outrage and calls for accountability from the government. Environmental groups are demanding media coverage of their plight and the return of confiscated property from detained activists.