Serbia Protests Escalate as Violence Intensifies Against Government

Escalation of Serbian Political Unrest

Protests against Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's government have entered a violent new phase. For five consecutive nights, demonstrators have clashed with police, marking a significant escalation in the nine-month-long movement.

From Peaceful to Violent Demonstrations

Initially led by students advocating non-violent change, the protests demanded new elections amid corruption allegations against Vučić. The March demonstrations saw 300,000 participants in Belgrade. Recent violence began when protesters claimed ruling party (SNS) supporters attacked them in Vrbas while police failed to intervene.

Police Response and Government Stance

Under the slogan 'We're not punching bags', nightly protests turned destructive when masked individuals set fire to an SNS office in Valjevo. Police responded with batons and tear gas. Videos show alleged police brutality, including beatings and minor detentions, though unverified.

Roots of the Crisis

The protests originated from the November 2024 Novi Sad train station roof collapse that killed 16 people, blamed on corruption in contracts awarded to Vučić allies. Demonstrators now challenge Vučić's control over state institutions and media, demanding internationally monitored elections after previous fraud allegations.