Protests in Serbia have intensified as demonstrators express anger towards the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, resulting in violent clashes with police and the burning of party offices. The unrest, sparked by a tragic railway station collapse, is fueled by accusations of corruption and demands for leadership change.
Unrest Erupts in Serbia as Ruling Party Offices Burn in Protests
Unrest Erupts in Serbia as Ruling Party Offices Burn in Protests
Anti-government demonstrations in Serbia escalate, culminating in the burning of ruling party offices as citizens demand accountability and early elections.
The offices of Serbia's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) have suffered significant destruction during the fifth consecutive night of protests, marked by clashes between anti-government demonstrators and riot police. In Valjevo, law enforcement reportedly resorted to stun grenades and tear gas after masked individuals targeted the empty SNS facilities. This violence comes amidst broad claims of police brutality in regions like Belgrade and Novi Sad, allegations that Serbia's interior ministry has officially refuted.
Russia has stepped in with statements of support for President Aleksandar Vučić, leader of the SNS, asserting it would not "remain unresponsive" to the ongoing situation. The demonstrations began following a tragic railway station collapse in Novi Sad in November 2022, which resulted in 16 fatalities. Many citizens attribute the disaster to corruption and negligence by Vučić's administration. Although anti-corruption protests initially attracted hundreds of thousands peacefully, recent days have seen a rise in retaliatory actions from pro-government supporters.
On Saturday night, reports emerged of riot police being deployed in various cities, including the capital, as citizens called for early elections. The protesters' ire has been particularly directed at SNS properties and at times, the headquarters of the Serbian Radical Party, a coalition ally. Videos circulating on social media depict distressing scenes of police violence, heightening tensions across the nation.
Human rights officials, including Michael O'Flaherty from the Council of Europe, have criticized the use of excessive force by police, urging the government to curb arbitrary arrests and facilitate a de-escalation of violence. In response, Vučić condemned the protests on Instagram, characterizing the violence as a sign of "total weakness" and vowing to address the "bullies" involved. He has consistently dismissed calls for early elections, framing the dissent as part of a foreign conspiracy against his rule.
In light of the ongoing protests, which erupted after the railway disaster, stakes have risen substantially. Citizens' demands have evolved from calls for transparency and accountability in the wake of tragedy to broader calls to end Vučić's near-12-year tenure. As protests draw larger crowds, tensions in Serbia remain palpable.
