Police fired teargas and clashed with protesters in the Serbian capital late on May 23 after tens of thousands gathered peacefully to demand early elections and an end to the more than decade-long rule of President Aleksandar Vucic and his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
Crowds packed Slavija Square, one of the capital’s main junctions, marking one of the largest rallies in recent months, part of a wave of anti-government protests that began after a deadly infrastructure collapse in 2024.
Authorities put turnout at just 34,300 people, while photos and drone footage suggested a crowd comparable to a March 15, 2025 protest that drew nearly 300,000. The independent Archive of Public Gatherings initially estimated more than 100,000, saying the final figure would likely be higher.
The rally, which began around 1800 local time and ended shortly before 2000, followed marches from multiple points across the city. Protesters travelled from across Serbia, with columns of cars and motorcyles entering Belgrade during the day.
Clashes broke out later in the evening near Pionirski Park, where SNS supporters have routinely gathered, and along central streets including Kneza Miloša and Resavska. Riot police formed cordons and moved in to disperse groups of protesters. Witnesses reported an enormous police presence, including plainclothes officers, and multiple arrests.
Police in riot gear cordoned off key institutions, including city hall and areas near the presidency building, as clashes broke out between pro- and anti-government protesters and police. Officers used teargas, stun grenades and pepper spray to push back groups of people throwing flares, rocks and bottles.
Opposition media and student organisers said the violence was initiated by hooligans and provocateurs, while authorities blamed protesters for attacking police.
Vucic called for dialogue, while the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office said those who attacked police officers would be identified and prosecuted.
The demonstrations are part of a broader anti-corruption movement led by university students that has driven months of protests, strikes and road blockades since late 2024, after the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad killed 16 people.
Student organisers say the tragedy exposed systemic corruption and mismanagement in state infrastructure projects, allegations the government denies, saying those responsible have been held to account. The unrest forced the resignation of former prime minister Milos Vucevic in January 2025.
Vucic, whose Serbian Progressive Party has dominated Serbian politics for over a decade, said earlier this week that early parliamentary elections would be held between late September and mid-November, ahead of schedule. Elections are otherwise due in 2027.
No comments:
Post a Comment