Unrest at Demonstrations in Serbia
Violent Protests Rock Serbia Amidst Accusations of Government Involvement
The ongoing protests against President Aleksandar Vucic's government in Serbia, which began in November 2024 following a tragic train station collapse in Novi Sad, have taken a violent turn in recent months.
The initial protests were primarily peaceful and student-led, demanding accountability and early elections. However, since August 2025, the situation has deteriorated, with clashes between demonstrators and police, attacks on protesters by groups linked to the government, and widespread accusations of police brutality.
The catalyst for the protests was the collapse of a canopy at the newly renovated Novi Sad train station, which resulted in the deaths of 16 people. Independent experts and opposition figures have blamed shoddy workmanship and corruption under the Vucic administration for the tragedy.
The recent escalation in violence during the protests is attributed to actions by provocateurs from Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), according to independent media and protest organizers. These provocateurs are accused of inciting violent incidents with the support of police and intelligence services, and of attacking peaceful protesters.
The protests have resulted in injuries to police officers, with six reported injuries, and thirty-eight protesters have been arrested. The Interior Minister of Serbia is Ivica Dacic.
The protests have spread from the epicenter in Novi Sad to other Serbian cities, including the capital city of Belgrade, where they have been ongoing for three consecutive days. Protesters have vandalized and set fire to the ruling SNS offices in several cities, reflecting deep frustration and anger against Vucic’s regime.
President Vucic has condemned the violence, accused protesters of attempting to "attack the state," and threatened a crackdown and even a possible declaration of a "state of emergency." However, the movement remains rooted in demands for Vucic’s government to resign and for early elections to be held, with no resolution in sight.
In summary, the protests started from a tragic accident blamed on government corruption and worsened due to harsh responses by police and government-affiliated groups, turning a largely peaceful student movement into nationwide violent confrontations challenging Vucic’s hold on power.
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