BELGRADAfter skirmishes with police during a large gathering calling for an early parliamentary election, the president of Serbia said on Sunday that additional anti-government demonstrators had been arrested.Already, dozens have been arrested.
At a news conference, Aleksandar Vucic called for legal action against those behind Saturday’s student-led demonstration in the capital, Belgrade, accusing them of inciting violence and attacking police. Additionally, he denounced “terrorists and those who tried to bring down the state,” specifically mentioning Vladan Djokic, the head dean of the University of Belgrade, who was one of the demonstrators.
Following nearly eight months of unrelenting criticism that has shaken Vucic’s solid hold on power in the Balkan nation, tens of thousands of people attended the march. Additionally, protesters accused the current populist government of being illegitimate and blamed it for any acts of violence.
After the rally’s formal portion concluded, there were clashes with riot police. While protesters launched rocks, bottles, and other objects, police employed shields, batons, and pepper spray.
On Sunday, police reported that 22 demonstrators required medical attention, while 48 cops were hurt. According to Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, 38 of the 77 individuals apprehended are still being held, and the majority of them are being charged with crimes.
Vucic stated that more arrests would be made. All persons are being identified.
After a refurbished rail station roof collapsed in November, killing sixteen people, the protests began. Many in Serbia attributed the catastrophe in Novi Sad, a city in the north, on carelessness in governmental infrastructure projects driven by corruption.
Vucic has consistently opposed the 2027 planned snap vote in favor of an imminent one.
Serbia prevailed. Vucic stated on Sunday that violence cannot be used to harm Serbia. They deliberately sought to incite violence. Accountability is about to arrive.
Critics claim that since assuming office more than ten years ago, Vucic has grown more autocratic, suppressing democratic liberties while fostering organized crime and corruption. This he has refuted.
Although Serbia ostensibly wants to join the EU, Vucic’s administration has strengthened ties with China and Russia.
