On Friday evening, Serbian police used tear gas and crowd control vehicles in Belgrade to disperse anti-government protesters who had thrown firecrackers and flares. This action marked a significant escalation in the nine-month-long demonstrations.
The clashes continued for a third day in central Belgrade. Reports emerged of police brutality and concerns over excessive force. Meanwhile, anti-government rallies took place across Serbia under the slogan, “Let’s show them we are not a punching bag.” In parts of the capital, riot police, supported by armoured vehicles, separated protesters from pro-government supporters.
Clashes and injuries
Many protesters, most wearing face masks, launched flares, rocks, and eggs at the police. The officers responded while mounted on armoured vehicles along the boulevard in front of the Serbian government headquarters. Some protesters received first aid, although authorities have not confirmed the total number of injuries.
Protesters also rolled trash bins and canisters onto the streets, with some set alight. Similar clashes occurred in several other cities and towns across Serbia. Earlier on Friday, authorities detained hundreds of demonstrators during protests held throughout the week. Over three days of unrest, clashes between police, President Aleksandar Vucic’s supporters, and anti-government protesters left dozens injured or detained. These events marked a clear escalation in demonstrations that had largely remained peaceful, led primarily by university students challenging Vucic’s control.
Political reactions and concerns
President Vucic praised police handling of the latest demonstrations and said he would propose additional bonuses for officers. Speaking to state broadcaster RTS, he claimed that Western actors influenced the protests to remove him from power. He has not provided evidence for this assertion.
Social media footage showed riot police striking individuals with batons and kicking them before handcuffing them. Women and young people were among those affected.
Serbia’s Interior Minister Ivica Dacic rejected claims of excessive force. He argued that demonstrators attacked officers, who defended themselves with riot shields. “The police were massively and brutally attacked without provocation. There were violent attempts to breach the cordons,” he said. “Last night, 75 police officers were injured, and several vehicles were damaged. Those spreading lies about police brutality should consider this fact.”
Opposition leaders demanded Dacic’s removal. Dragan Djilas, an opposition figure, said, “People are being beaten on the streets. Politicians and anyone opposing Aleksandar Vucic face serious risk of injury.”
Other footage showed young detainees kneeling with their faces to the wall, some with visible bloodstains.
The European Union’s Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, described the reports of violence as “deeply concerning.”
Serbia seeks EU membership, but Vucic has maintained strong relations with Russia and China. Critics accuse him of restricting democratic freedoms and allowing corruption and organised crime to continue. He denies these allegations.
