Protests in Serbia have continued for a fifth consecutive night, escalating into violence with the ruling Serbian Progressive Party’s (SNS) office reportedly set ablaze. Clashes erupted in Valjevo as riot police utilized stun grenades and tear gas against protesters, some of whom attacked the SNS facilities that were empty at the time. Allegations of police brutality have emerged from major cities including Belgrade and Novi Sad, although Serbia’s interior ministry has denied these claims.
This wave of unrest originated from a railway station collapse in Novi Sad last November, which resulted in 16 fatalities. Many citizens hold the government, led by President Aleksandar Vučić, responsible due to perceived corruption and negligence. Initially centered on anti-corruption sentiment, the protests had largely maintained a peaceful nature until recent counter-demonstrations by pro-government supporters.
On Saturday night, further demonstrations occurred in cities such as Belgrade, where participants called for early elections. Protesters directed their anger at Vučić’s party, vandalizing its offices and also the headquarters of the Serbian Radical Party, a coalition partner of the SNS. Reports have surfaced of injuries at protests nationwide, with unverified videos showing police violence in Valjevo.
Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner, expressed concerns regarding police conduct, advocating for the cessation of arbitrary arrests and the need for de-escalation. In response to the ongoing unrest, Vučić characterized the violence as a sign of weakness and vowed to address the offenders, while dismissing calls for early elections.
Meanwhile, Russia has stepped in to offer support to Vučić, emphasizing concern for public order in Serbia. The Russian Foreign Ministry acknowledged that law enforcement was acting to maintain order amid the unrest, suggesting that authorities viewed the protests as a threat to security and human lives.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9qye9qvxn5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss