Demonstrators in Belgrade voice their disapproval of excessive force used by the police force
In the heart of August 2025, Serbia finds itself in the midst of a tumultuous political crisis. The nation has been gripped by ongoing protests, with citizens taking to the streets to voice their concerns about corruption, demand political change, and call for early legislative elections.
The protests, which have been ongoing since late 2024, were initially sparked by a tragic incident - the collapse of a concrete awning at Novi Sad train station that claimed the lives of 16 people. Since then, the demonstrations have evolved into a broader anti-government movement.
Thousands of protesters have been seen in the streets of Belgrade, condemning the "brutality" of the police. Signs reading "Raping with a badge" have become a common sight, reflecting allegations of police brutality and mistreatment.
However, the situation has not been confined to the capital city. Protests have spread across Serbia, with clashes escalating in northern cities such as Vrbas and Backa Palanka. The clashes have resulted in at least 50 injuries among citizens and 16 among police officers, with many of the injuries sustained by the police being from defending ruling party premises rather than confronting protesters.
One of the most shocking allegations comes from Nikolina Sindjelic, a 22-year-old activist and student, who was arrested by special forces in Belgrade on Thursday night. Nikolina claims that the commander of the unit brutally beat her and a young man. She was later taken to a government garage in Belgrade along with a fellow student colleague and several other protesters.
Nikolina's account is not isolated. Over the past few weeks, more than 100 protesters have been arrested, with several reporting being beaten or mistreated by police officers. The Ministry of the Interior denies these accusations, stating that Nikolina was arrested for being part of a group that attacked government and police buildings.
President Aleksandar Vucic has promised to toughen his stance after five consecutive nights of clashes between his supporters, police, and protesters. He has stated that the government needs a few days to prepare the "legal and formal framework" of its response. However, the government's response to the protests is yet to be fully implemented.
Andrej Sevo, a protester, expressed concern about the escalating violence, stating, "We have no one to protect us." Another protester, Aleksandra Krstic, echoed this sentiment, stating, "If I go to a protest, I should be able to go to the police and ask for protection, not be beaten, taken to a basement, and threatened with rape."
The protesters blame the tragedy on "endemic corruption" within state institutions and public enterprises. They demand that the government take responsibility and conduct a transparent investigation. However, the situation remains tense, with fears of further escalation and crackdown.
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