Tensions escalated in Serbia's capital when approximately 140,000 anti-government protesters took to the streets, resulting in violent confrontations with law enforcement. The protests, driven by rising student activism, seek to challenge President Aleksandar Vucic's prolonged tenure in office.
Serbian Police Clash with Massive Protesters Demanding Elections in Belgrade
Serbian Police Clash with Massive Protesters Demanding Elections in Belgrade
Clashes erupt in Belgrade as protesters rally against President Vucic’s rule, calling for early elections and an end to his presidency.
Serbian police have faced off with a massive crowd of anti-government protesters in Belgrade, demanding early elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year rule. Approximately 140,000 rally participants gathered, marking the largest turnout seen in recent months amid increased pressure from student-led demonstrations. "We want elections!" echoed through the streets as the unrest intensified.
The police responded with force, deploying tear gas and stun grenades, leading to dozens of arrests. President Vucic has accused those calling for early elections of being part of a foreign conspiracy aimed at destabilizing his government. He stated on his Instagram that these attempts to "topple Serbia" have ultimately failed.
A statement from Serbia's Higher Court confirmed that five individuals were detained on Friday for allegedly planning to overthrow the government. Following the clashes, the police minister condemned the protesters' violence and promised that those responsible would face legal repercussions.
Persistent protests across the country, including widespread university shutdowns, have begun to rattle President Vucic, whose second term is due to conclude in 2027 alongside parliamentary elections. Vucic's opponents accuse him of having links to organized crime, corruption, and a crackdown on media freedoms—charges that his administration fervently denies.
Serbia has maintained close ties to Russia and has refrained from joining Western sanctions against Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine, even as it seeks EU membership. The ongoing protests were ignited last December, following a tragic incident in which 16 people lost their lives due to the collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad, which protesters attribute to systemic corruption.
As the protests came to a close on Saturday, organizers urged participants to "take freedom into your own hands" and claimed the authorities had ample opportunity to address demands but chose instead to resort to violence. "Any radicalization of the situation is their responsibility," the organizers stated via Instagram.
The police responded with force, deploying tear gas and stun grenades, leading to dozens of arrests. President Vucic has accused those calling for early elections of being part of a foreign conspiracy aimed at destabilizing his government. He stated on his Instagram that these attempts to "topple Serbia" have ultimately failed.
A statement from Serbia's Higher Court confirmed that five individuals were detained on Friday for allegedly planning to overthrow the government. Following the clashes, the police minister condemned the protesters' violence and promised that those responsible would face legal repercussions.
Persistent protests across the country, including widespread university shutdowns, have begun to rattle President Vucic, whose second term is due to conclude in 2027 alongside parliamentary elections. Vucic's opponents accuse him of having links to organized crime, corruption, and a crackdown on media freedoms—charges that his administration fervently denies.
Serbia has maintained close ties to Russia and has refrained from joining Western sanctions against Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine, even as it seeks EU membership. The ongoing protests were ignited last December, following a tragic incident in which 16 people lost their lives due to the collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad, which protesters attribute to systemic corruption.
As the protests came to a close on Saturday, organizers urged participants to "take freedom into your own hands" and claimed the authorities had ample opportunity to address demands but chose instead to resort to violence. "Any radicalization of the situation is their responsibility," the organizers stated via Instagram.
