Unrest during anti-administration demonstrations in Serbia
In the heart of Europe, the political landscape of Serbia is currently marked by a prolonged period of mass protests against President Aleksandar Vučić. These demonstrations have been ongoing for over nine months, ignited by a tragic infrastructure collapse at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, which claimed the lives of 16 individuals [1][4].
Initially, the protests were peaceful, but they have recently escalated into violent incidents, particularly in cities like Vrbas, Bačka Palanka, Novi Sad, and Belgrade. Nightly clashes between demonstrators and police have become common, with police using tear gas and armoured vehicles, and pro-government supporters reportedly attacking peaceful protestors with stones, water bottles, and fireworks, often without police intervention [1][3].
The Serbian Interior Ministry and government officials have framed these protests as disruptive and threatening to state security, with comments suggesting a potential state of emergency. At least 42 police officers were reported injured, and numerous protesters arrested during recent confrontations [2].
The protests, largely student-led, represent the most significant challenge to Vučić’s rule since he came to power in 2012. They have highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with corruption, democratic erosion, and rule-of-law concerns under Vučić’s administration [4].
President Vučić has responded by describing the protesters as "thugs and murderers" and vowing to "cleanse" Belgrade and Novi Sad to prevent a "civil war." He has also thanked his supporters for backing him against government opponents [2][4].
In the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad, 64 civilians and five military police officers were injured during these clashes. Scuffles between protesters opposing and supporting Vučić, as well as police, occurred in many larger and smaller cities [1][3].
The latest protests were fueled by supporters of Vučić's SNS party attacking government-critical demonstrators in the northern Serbian villages of Vrbas and Backa Palanka the previous day, without police intervention [1].
As the political crisis deepens, Serbia remains divided, with the administration displaying a hardline stance, accusing protesters of threatening state security while suppressing dissent through force [1][2][3][4].
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