Student-Led Protesters Clash With Police in Serbia’s Capital

Thousands of antigovernment demonstrators gathered in central Belgrade on Saturday as student-led protests demanding early elections and government accountability escalated into clashes with riot police.

The rally, organised by a youth movement campaigning under the slogan “Students win,” marked the latest wave of unrest challenging the rule of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Protesters accused the government of corruption, abuse of power, and weakening the rule of law.

Tensions rose near a camp of Vucic supporters outside the Serbian presidency building, where riot police in full gear confronted demonstrators. Witnesses reported scuffles, arrests, and the use of force as police attempted to disperse crowds.

The protest movement began after the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad in November 2024 that killed 16 people. Many Serbians blamed the tragedy on alleged corruption and negligence linked to renovation work involving Chinese companies. Public anger over the incident sparked nationwide demonstrations and eventually led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Milos Vucevic in January 2025.

Ahead of Saturday’s rally, Serbia’s state railway company suspended train services to and from Belgrade, a move critics said was intended to limit turnout from other regions.

Speaking in a video posted on Instagram while travelling to China, President Vucic accused protesters of violence and insisted that state institutions would continue to function normally. He also indicated that parliamentary elections could take place between September and November this year.

Human rights organisations and European officials have increasingly criticised Serbia’s response to the protests. Michael O’Flaherty recently expressed concern over reports of arbitrary arrests, excessive force, and attacks on journalists and demonstrators.

Serbia, which is seeking membership in the European Union while maintaining close relations with Russia and China, has faced warnings that democratic backsliding could threaten billions of euros in European funding.

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