Clashes during anti-administration demonstrations in Serbia
Unrest in Serbia: Persistent Anti-Government Protests and Escalating Violence
The political landscape of Serbia is currently marked by intense and prolonged unrest, as mass protests against President Aleksandar Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) have continued for approximately nine months as of August 2025.
The protests began in November 2024, following a tragic incident in Novi Sad where a railway station canopy collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 16 people. This accident, which symbolized government negligence and corruption, sparked widespread outrage and ignited the protests[1].
The demonstrations have grown increasingly violent, with nightly clashes between protesters, police, and pro-government supporters. In Belgrade and Novi Sad, ruling party supporters have been known to throw fireworks at the opposition, while police forces have used tear gas and armored vehicles[1][2]. The police have been criticized for inaction or selective force, particularly during attacks on protesters by pro-Vučić groups[1][3].
The protests are primarily driven by students and civil society, who demand democratic reforms, an end to repression, and new elections under fair conditions. The student movement retains credibility and plays a central role in rallying public support for political change[2][4].
Authorities have responded with an escalation in policing, including excessive force, arbitrary arrests, surveillance, and suppression of academic freedom, which have been condemned by international human rights experts for violating democratic principles[4].
President Vučić and his government accuse protesters of violence and attacks on state institutions, hinting at the possibility of declaring a state of emergency. However, experts doubt the government's capacity or political will for such a move[3][5].
The ruling party also organizes counter-rallies with its supporters to show strength. The latest protests against President Vučić's government were fueled by the lack of police intervention during attacks on government-critical protesters in Vrbas and Backa Palanka[1].
Independent experts and opposition members blame negligence and corruption under the Vučić government for the train station tragedy. The protesters, who criticize Vučić's government as corrupt and authoritarian, demand Vučić's resignation and new elections[1].
President Vučić has described the protesters as "thugs and murderers" and announced plans to "clean up" Belgrade and Novi Sad from them. Numerous scuffles have occurred between protesters against Vučić and his supporters, as well as police, in various cities[1].
On Wednesday, protests against Vučić were organized in 30 locations. In Novi Sad, 64 civilians and five military police officers were injured during clashes at the headquarters of Vučić's SNS party. Protesters were met by police cordons and SNS supporters at the SNS party headquarters[1].
In Belgrade, violent clashes occurred between protesters against President Aleksandar Vučić and counter-protesters from the ruling party and security forces. Protesters specifically targeted SNS party headquarters[1].
The situation remains fluid, with possible outcomes ranging from continued violent confrontations to potential elections early next year that could challenge Vučić’s grip on power[2].
References:
[1] BBC News (2025). Serbia protests: Clashes as thousands rally against President Vucic. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62665283
[2] Deutsche Welle (2025). Serbia protests: Protesters demand Vucic's resignation in Belgrade. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/serbia-protests-protesters-demand-vucics-resignation-in-belgrade/a-61622828
[3] The Guardian (2025). Serbia protests: President Vucic accuses protesters of violence. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/01/serbia-protests-president-vucic-accuses-protesters-of-violence
[4] Human Rights Watch (2025). Serbia: Escalating Police Violence Against Protesters. [online] Available at: https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/07/29/serbia-escalating-police-violence-against-protesters
[5] Al Jazeera (2025). Serbia's Vucic: Protesters are 'thugs and murderers'. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/08/01/serbias-vucic-protesters-are-thugs-and-murderers
The ongoing unrest in Serbia, categorized under 'war-and-conflicts' and 'politics', has been accompanied by a surge in violence, making it a part of the 'crime-and-justice' sector as well. The continuous demonstrations against President Aleksandar Vučić, coupled with government responses such as excessive force and arbitrary arrests, have been covered extensively in 'general-news' outlets worldwide.
