Main points
- Mass protests demanding early elections continue in Serbia, leading to clashes with police and the arrest of more than 80 people.
- The protests began due to the collapse of a concrete canopy in 2024, accusing the government of corruption and negligence, and demanding the resignation of President Vucic.
- Serbian authorities said nearly 50 police officers and more than 20 civilians were injured, and Vucic accused “foreign forces” of supporting the protests.
Anti-government protests in Serbia / Milica Baltić
Mass protests against the government continue in Serbia, escalating into clashes with police and arrests. More than 80 activists were detained in Belgrade, and protesters erected barricades and blocked streets, demanding early elections and the release of detainees.
This is reported by 24 Kanal with reference to Bloomberg. In Serbia, mass anti-government protests have not subsided, and have been going on for several months.
Mass protests and clashes with police in Serbia
In Belgrade, a peaceful protest turned into clashes with the police: protesters threw stones and built barricades, and law enforcement officers used flash-bang grenades and pepper gas.
According to Serbian authorities, almost 50 police officers and more than 20 civilians were injured. On the night of June 30, security forces detained more than 80 people, some of whom may face criminal charges. The protesters said they would block traffic in Belgrade until the detained activists were released and early parliamentary elections were announced.
Protests in Serbia have been ongoing since late 2024. They were triggered by the collapse of a concrete canopy at a train station in Novi Sad, where 16 people died. People accuse the government of corruption and negligence, and demand the resignation of President Aleksandar Vucic.
Vucic has said he does not plan to hold early elections before 2026 and has accused “foreign forces” of fomenting protests and funding activists. Meanwhile, the country's security services are promising more arrests for attacks on police and organizing unrest.
