With around 140,000 participants, anti-government protests in Belgrade turn violent as police clash with demonstrators. Activists decry corruption and demand elections, while President Vucic asserts the protests are fueled by foreign interests as tensions in Serbia escalate.
Serbia's Capital Erupts in Fury: Clashes as Protesters Demand Change
Serbia's Capital Erupts in Fury: Clashes as Protesters Demand Change
Massive demonstrations in Belgrade see police confront protesters calling for an end to President Vucic's prolonged rule and early elections.
Serbian police have found themselves at odds with a vast crowd of anti-government protesters in Belgrade, where approximately 140,000 individuals rallied, marking a significant turnout in recent months. The demonstrators are calling for an immediate election and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year leadership. The chant, "We want elections!" echoed through the streets as tensions reached a boiling point.
Clashes resulted in dozens of arrests, and riot police resorted to using tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd. President Vucic, in response, characterized the protests as a foreign conspiracy aimed at threatening national stability. "They wanted to topple Serbia, and they have failed," he exclaimed via his Instagram account.
The situation escalated on Friday when five individuals were taken into custody, accused of conspiring to overthrow the current administration, according to Serbia's Higher Court. In the aftermath of the riots, the police minister condemned the demonstrators' violence, promising that those responsible would face legal consequences.
Months of unrest, initiated by a tragic incident where sixteen lives were lost due to the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station roof in November, have compounded pressure on Mr. Vucic. Public discontent is growing over accusations of corruption and poor governance, prompting waves of protests from diverse sectors, including students and farmers.
Sladjana Lojanovic, a farmer from Sid, expressed her support for the students: "The institutions have been usurped and... there is a lot of corruption. Elections are the solution, but I don't think he (Vucic) will want to go peacefully."
Despite calls for snap elections, Vucic has resisted relinquishing power, and his Progressive Party maintains a legislative majority. Opponents allege he has connections to organized crime and restricts media freedoms; these allegations are firmly denied by the administration.
As Serbia pushes for EU membership, it has abstained from joining sanctions against Russia, highlighting its complex geopolitical ties. The protests, fueled by a widespread desire for accountability and justice, are a stark reminder of the public's yearning to reclaim control over their democracy. Following the protests, organizers rallied the crowd’s spirits, emphasizing the need for Serbians to "take freedom into your own hands" as the nation navigates these turbulent times. The statement conveyed that the escalation of violence lies squarely on the government's response to public demand.
