The article text:
The offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) were set on fire during a fifth night of escalating protests that saw renewed clashes between anti-government demonstrators and riot police. In Valjevo, reports indicated that police resorted to stun grenades and tear gas after masked individuals targeted the SNS facilities, which were empty at the time. Amid ongoing unrest in Belgrade and Novi Sad, allegations of police brutality surfaced, although Serbia’s interior ministry vehemently denied these claims.
The protests, originating from a tragic railway station collapse in Novi Sad that claimed 16 lives last November, have gradually transformed into an outcry against corruption and government negligence. Despite the protests' initial peaceful nature, the situation turned violent during clashes with pro-government counter-demonstrators. Riot police were deployed across multiple cities, including Belgrade, as demands for early elections intensified.
The offices and symbols representing Vučić’s SNS party became focal points of frustration, leading to significant damage, including broken windows at the Serbian Radical Party’s headquarters, a coalition partner of the SNS. Reports of injuries have surfaced from protests nationwide, with social media featuring unverified footage of police violence in Valjevo.
Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe's human rights commissioner, expressed concern over police conduct, urging a cessation of "arbitrary arrests" and advocating for measures to reduce tensions. Vučić responded to the turmoil via Instagram, interpreting the violence as a sign of "total weakness" and vowing to "punish the bullies." He continues to dismiss calls for early elections, characterizing the protests as part of a foreign scheme to undermine his leadership.
Support has poured in for Vučić from Russia, as Foreign Ministry officials articulated their commitment to standing by the "brotherly" nation during this tumultuous phase. The ministry claimed that law enforcement's use of force was justified, emphasizing the need to maintain public order in the face of rising violence.
Since the Novi Sad incident, which stands as a harrowing reminder of systemic corruption, public demonstrations in Serbia have seen hundreds of thousands rallying for reform, calling for transparency, accountability, and an end to Vučić's extended rule. As protests continue to unfold, tensions between the government and citizens remain palpable, signaling an uncertain future for the Balkan nation.
The offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) were set on fire during a fifth night of escalating protests that saw renewed clashes between anti-government demonstrators and riot police. In Valjevo, reports indicated that police resorted to stun grenades and tear gas after masked individuals targeted the SNS facilities, which were empty at the time. Amid ongoing unrest in Belgrade and Novi Sad, allegations of police brutality surfaced, although Serbia’s interior ministry vehemently denied these claims.
The protests, originating from a tragic railway station collapse in Novi Sad that claimed 16 lives last November, have gradually transformed into an outcry against corruption and government negligence. Despite the protests' initial peaceful nature, the situation turned violent during clashes with pro-government counter-demonstrators. Riot police were deployed across multiple cities, including Belgrade, as demands for early elections intensified.
The offices and symbols representing Vučić’s SNS party became focal points of frustration, leading to significant damage, including broken windows at the Serbian Radical Party’s headquarters, a coalition partner of the SNS. Reports of injuries have surfaced from protests nationwide, with social media featuring unverified footage of police violence in Valjevo.
Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe's human rights commissioner, expressed concern over police conduct, urging a cessation of "arbitrary arrests" and advocating for measures to reduce tensions. Vučić responded to the turmoil via Instagram, interpreting the violence as a sign of "total weakness" and vowing to "punish the bullies." He continues to dismiss calls for early elections, characterizing the protests as part of a foreign scheme to undermine his leadership.
Support has poured in for Vučić from Russia, as Foreign Ministry officials articulated their commitment to standing by the "brotherly" nation during this tumultuous phase. The ministry claimed that law enforcement's use of force was justified, emphasizing the need to maintain public order in the face of rising violence.
Since the Novi Sad incident, which stands as a harrowing reminder of systemic corruption, public demonstrations in Serbia have seen hundreds of thousands rallying for reform, calling for transparency, accountability, and an end to Vučić's extended rule. As protests continue to unfold, tensions between the government and citizens remain palpable, signaling an uncertain future for the Balkan nation.
