Protesters block roads to stop enthronement of Montenegro's top cleric

A truck arrives at a blockage of demonstrators during a protest against the enthronement of Bishop Joanikije in Cetinje, Montenegro, September 4, 2021. REUTERS/Stevo Vasiljevic

PODGORICA (Reuters) - Several thousand protesters used tyres, rocks and vehicles to block roads leading to the city of Cetinje in southwest Montenegro on Saturday in a bid to stop the Serbian Orthodox Church holding an enthronement ceremony for its new top cleric.

The protests reflect tensions in the Balkan country, which remains deeply divided over its ties with Serbia, with some advocating closer ties with Belgrade and others opposing any pro-Serb alliance.