Violent clashes erupt in Serbian capital after student-led mass protests

已複製連結

In the Serbian capital of Belgrade, sea of protesters clashes with police in student-led marches against the government, resulting in the arrest of 23 people. 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic seeks to quell dissent that has shaken his hard-line rule in the country and dismisses the demonstrators' call for an early election. 

The clashes broke out after a largely peaceful rally attended by tens of thousands of university students at Belgrade's Slavija Square.

They were behind the massive anti-corruption street protests which arose in response to a train station tragedy in 2024 north of the Balkan nation, causing the loss of 16 lives. 

Then-Prime Minister Milos Vucevic was forced to resign, whereas President Aleksandar Vucic pushed back hard against the youth movement marked by calls for early snap parliamentary elections. 

Undeterred, protesters held Serbian flags during Saturday's rally and wore T-shirts inscribed with the "Students win" motto. They accuse the government of crime and corruption, reiterating their appeal for the establishment of the rule of law. 

The students say they plan to challenge the president in a vote that must be held by the end of 2027. 

Actor Aleksandar Sreckovic addresses the crowd, stating, "This is not a political fight, this is not a fight to change the regime, this is a fight for survival."

Later in the day when the protest turned violent, a number of young assailants, including apparent soccer hooligans, are seen throwing flares, rocks and bottles at police cordons, as they rolled debris and trash cans in an attempt to block the streets. 

Shield-carrying riot police fire pepper spray and charge forward, trying to disperse the groups. 

Long lines of police vehicles were out in a central Belgrade area to block protesters from returning, and the violence soon ended. 

In total, 23 people have been detained by police. 

Meanwhile, groups of Vucic loyalists convene nearby, which raises concerns of potential clashes. 

Serbia's state railway company temporarily cancels all trains to and from Belgrade in a bid to stop people from other parts of the country streaming into the capital city. 

Vucic, who is in China for a state visit, remarks in an Instagram video that protesters "have shown their violent nature and that they cannot stand political opponents." He further declares "the state is functioning and will continue to work in line with the law."