Many Hurt in Belgrade Demonstrations
More than 20 individuals have been arrested for assaulting police officers and causing property damage in the Serbian capital following recent events. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has commended the police for their “responsible” management...
TroibNews 
More than 20 individuals have been arrested for assaulting police officers and causing property damage in the Serbian capital following recent events.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has commended the police for their “responsible” management of a crowd exceeding 80,000 protesters, ensuring order and public safety during an anti-government demonstration that escalated into violence, leading to 56 injuries and 22 arrests.
Authorities estimated that between 88,000 and 107,000 people participated in the rally, marking it as one of the largest in Serbia’s recent history. Vucic accused provocateurs within the mostly peaceful gathering of trying to incite a color revolution, suggesting foreign interference designed to destabilize the nation.
The unrest began when “several dozen people in an intoxicated state” attempted to assault police and others near the presidential building in Pionirski Park, according to Vucic. Security forces apprehended 22 individuals for their assaults on officers and for property damage.
Local media reported incidents of stun grenades being thrown by unidentified participants in the protest.
The Serbian leader expressed pride in the fact that the majority of protesters remained peaceful and that those responsible for the violence were detained.
“I realized that these young people did not want to participate in the violence after the first incidents. They left the gathering when they realized that they no longer had control,” Vucic stated.
During a televised address from the Palace of Serbia, Vucic confirmed that 56 individuals were receiving treatment at local hospitals due to the clashes. He pointed out that despite the “enormous and negative energy, and anger and rage expressed towards the authorities,” there were no fatalities or serious injuries reported.
The president praised police for their restraint, stating, “I am especially proud of our police and security services. They ensured safety for all participants.” He added that despite the turmoil, law enforcement did not resort to force.
“We did not even raise a baton,” Vucic remarked. He further addressed claims regarding the use of sonic crowd control weaponry against demonstrators, clarifying that the device in question was an ordinary anti-drone rifle.
The protest follows months of student-led demonstrations against allegations of corruption and government negligence in Serbia, ignited by a tragic canopy collapse at Novi Sad railway station in November 2024 that resulted in 15 fatalities.
Vucic has maintained that the protests are driven by political motives, asserting they aimed to undermine Serbia’s stability.
“We managed to preserve peace and stability, and I congratulate our security forces for their serious and responsible approach,” he expressed.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this article for TROIB News
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has commended the police for their “responsible” management of a crowd exceeding 80,000 protesters, ensuring order and public safety during an anti-government demonstration that escalated into violence, leading to 56 injuries and 22 arrests.
Authorities estimated that between 88,000 and 107,000 people participated in the rally, marking it as one of the largest in Serbia’s recent history. Vucic accused provocateurs within the mostly peaceful gathering of trying to incite a color revolution, suggesting foreign interference designed to destabilize the nation.
The unrest began when “several dozen people in an intoxicated state” attempted to assault police and others near the presidential building in Pionirski Park, according to Vucic. Security forces apprehended 22 individuals for their assaults on officers and for property damage.
Local media reported incidents of stun grenades being thrown by unidentified participants in the protest.
The Serbian leader expressed pride in the fact that the majority of protesters remained peaceful and that those responsible for the violence were detained.
“I realized that these young people did not want to participate in the violence after the first incidents. They left the gathering when they realized that they no longer had control,” Vucic stated.
During a televised address from the Palace of Serbia, Vucic confirmed that 56 individuals were receiving treatment at local hospitals due to the clashes. He pointed out that despite the “enormous and negative energy, and anger and rage expressed towards the authorities,” there were no fatalities or serious injuries reported.
The president praised police for their restraint, stating, “I am especially proud of our police and security services. They ensured safety for all participants.” He added that despite the turmoil, law enforcement did not resort to force.
“We did not even raise a baton,” Vucic remarked. He further addressed claims regarding the use of sonic crowd control weaponry against demonstrators, clarifying that the device in question was an ordinary anti-drone rifle.
The protest follows months of student-led demonstrations against allegations of corruption and government negligence in Serbia, ignited by a tragic canopy collapse at Novi Sad railway station in November 2024 that resulted in 15 fatalities.
Vucic has maintained that the protests are driven by political motives, asserting they aimed to undermine Serbia’s stability.
“We managed to preserve peace and stability, and I congratulate our security forces for their serious and responsible approach,” he expressed.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this article for TROIB News
