Clashes erupt at anti-government demonstrations in Serbia
(MENAFN) Violence broke out in Belgrade on Saturday during a major anti-government protest as demonstrators clashed with police. The unrest followed the Serbian government’s refusal to meet an ultimatum demanding the dissolution of parliament and the announcement of new elections. The protesters’ deadline expired at 9 p.m.
Video footage from the scene shows masked individuals throwing rocks, flares, and other objects at police forces. In response, law enforcement deployed armored vehicles and riot squads to disperse the crowds and secure the government district around the parliament building.
Riot police, equipped with shields and batons, pushed demonstrators away from the area. Police chief Dragan Vasiljevic stated that officers responded “very professionally,” using only “minimal force” to prevent the situation from escalating further. He confirmed that six police officers and two civilians were injured, and several individuals were taken into custody.
Earlier that day, President Aleksandar Vucic reaffirmed the government's position, accusing unnamed foreign entities of fueling the protests. He also warned demonstrators not to turn to violence, pledging to protect national order.
The protests are the latest in a series of demonstrations that began after a deadly structural collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad last November, which killed 16 people. The tragedy sparked widespread outrage and ongoing calls for political and legal accountability.
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