The streets of Belgrade erupted in chaos overnight as Serbian riot police clashed violently with thousands of anti-government protesters, marking a dramatic escalation in the months-long demonstrations against President Aleksandar Vučić’s administration. The confrontations, characterized by tear gas, stun grenades, and sporadic acts of defiance from demonstrators, signal a deepening political crisis in the Balkan nation.
The unrest began peacefully on Friday evening, as protestors gathered outside the Serbian Parliament building, continuing their demands for the resignation of key government officials, an end to what they claim is widespread corruption, and a fairer electoral system. The demonstrations, initially sparked by two mass shootings earlier this year, have broadened into a wider movement against the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), which critics accuse of authoritarian tendencies and controlling media narratives.
However, as the evening progressed, tensions flared. Reports from the scene indicate that a segment of the crowd attempted to breach police barricades guarding the parliament. Police responded swiftly and forcefully, deploying tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the surging masses. Protesters retaliated by throwing bottles, flares, and other projectiles, transforming the city center into a battleground.
“It was an absolute nightmare,” recounted Marija Popović, a student caught in the melee, her eyes still red from the tear gas. “We just want our voices heard, but they meet us with force. This shows the true face of their power.”
The clashes continued for several hours, with riot police units, clad in protective gear, pushing back protesters through the city’s main thoroughfares. Independent journalists and human rights observers reported several arrests, though official numbers have not yet been released. Videos circulating on social media show scenes of heavy-handed police tactics, with some individuals appearing to be dragged away.
President Vučić, currently on a state visit, has yet to comment directly on the clashes, but his allies have condemned the protests as an attempt to destabilize the country. Earlier in the week, government officials had accused protest leaders of being foreign-backed and seeking to overthrow the constitutional order, allegations that organizers vehemently deny.
The protests, which have seen sustained participation from students, academics, and opposition activists, have been unique in their organic, non-partisan origins, largely driven by citizen anger over perceived government failures and a lack of accountability. The heavy-handed police response, however, risks further galvanizing the opposition and intensifying public discontent.
As dawn broke over Belgrade, leaving behind a residue of tear gas and shattered glass, the city awoke to a stark reminder of its deep political divisions. The violent confrontations mark a critical juncture for Serbia, raising serious concerns about democratic freedoms and the future stability of a nation already grappling with complex regional and internal challenges. The showdown on the streets of Belgrade suggests that the current political impasse is far from over.