Following several nights of escalating violence, new clashes have emerged between protesters and riot police, emphasizing deep-seated anger against government corruption.
**Violence Erupts in Serbia as Ruling Party Offices Are Set Ablaze Amid Protests**
**Violence Erupts in Serbia as Ruling Party Offices Are Set Ablaze Amid Protests**
Widespread unrest in Serbia has culminated in the burning of ruling party offices, as demonstrators demand political reform and accountability.
The ongoing unrest in Serbia has escalated dramatically as the offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) were set ablaze during a fifth consecutive night of protests. The violent outburst occurred in the city of Valjevo, where law enforcement reportedly employed stun grenades and tear gas to disperse crowds after masked individuals vandalized the SNS's empty facilities.
As the national turmoil continues, allegations of police brutality and excessive force have marred the demonstrations in major cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad; nonetheless, these claims have been dismissed by Serbia's interior ministry. The protests were spurred by a railway station disaster that claimed 16 lives in Novi Sad last November, with many citizens attributing the tragedy to widespread government corruption associated with President Aleksandar Vučić, who leads the SNS.
What began as calls for accountability in the aftermath of the disaster has morphed into larger anti-government demonstrations, with protesters increasingly vocal in demanding early elections. The crowds, which had remained largely peaceful until recent clashes, witnessed heightened tensions as pro-government supporters held counter-protests. Incidents of violence against demonstrators have been reported, with unverified videos depicting police aggression circulating online.
Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe's commissioner for human rights, expressed concern over the use of excessive force by police against demonstrators, urging the Serbian government to cease arbitrary arrests and promote peace. In contrast, President Vučić took to social media to denounce the protests as manifestations of weakness and pledged to hold accountable those engaged in violence.
As protests continue to dominate the political landscape, Russia's Foreign Ministry has expressed solidarity with the Serbian government, promising support and defense against what it describes as violent mobs. The statement reiterated that public safety and order remain priorities for authorities as street demonstrations intensify.
The calls for democratic reform, instigated by the railway tragedy, have rapidly evolved into a widespread movement questioning Vučić's long-standing governance, consolidating demands for immediate change and transparency in political practices.
