In a dramatic escalation of ongoing protests against the Serbian government, offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) were set ablaze in Valjevo. The chaos unfolded amid a fifth consecutive night of unrest, characterized by confrontations between anti-government demonstrators and riot police. Troubling reports indicate that police resorted to stun grenades and tear gas in attempts to disperse protestors.
The protests, driven largely by anger over the government’s response to a deadly railway station collapse last November—which resulted in 16 fatalities—have surged in intensity as they draw in discontent towards President Aleksandar Vučić, who heads the SNS. This tragic event has fueled accusations of corruption and negligence against the administration, turning the demonstrations into a broader anti-corruption movement.
While the protests had previously remained relatively non-violent, the situation deteriorated when pro-government supporters counter-demonstrated, leading to confrontations in several cities, including the capital, Belgrade. In addition to setting fire to the SNS offices, protestors vandalized the headquarters of the Serbian Radical Party, an SNS coalition partner.
The Serbian interior ministry has dismissed reports of police violence amidst mounting allegations of brutality. Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe's human rights commissioner, expressed grave concerns over the police's excessive use of force and called for an end to arbitrary arrests while urging authorities to de-escalate tensions.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Vučić characterized the violence as a sign of "total weakness" and proclaimed intentions to confront the "bullies" behind the chaos. He has firmly rejected calls for early elections, denouncing the upheaval as part of a foreign plot against his administration. Meanwhile, Russia has pledged support for Vučić, asserting that they cannot remain passive to the unrest in "brotherly Serbia."
The ongoing demonstrations stemmed from public outrage over not just the railway tragedy but the broader themes of government integrity and accountability. Initial demands for transparency have spiraled into calls for fresh elections and an end to Vučić's lengthy rule.
With injuries reported during various protests across Serbia and videos circulating on social media depicting police violence, the nation remains in a state of unrest, with protests continuing to grip cities nationwide.
The protests, driven largely by anger over the government’s response to a deadly railway station collapse last November—which resulted in 16 fatalities—have surged in intensity as they draw in discontent towards President Aleksandar Vučić, who heads the SNS. This tragic event has fueled accusations of corruption and negligence against the administration, turning the demonstrations into a broader anti-corruption movement.
While the protests had previously remained relatively non-violent, the situation deteriorated when pro-government supporters counter-demonstrated, leading to confrontations in several cities, including the capital, Belgrade. In addition to setting fire to the SNS offices, protestors vandalized the headquarters of the Serbian Radical Party, an SNS coalition partner.
The Serbian interior ministry has dismissed reports of police violence amidst mounting allegations of brutality. Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe's human rights commissioner, expressed grave concerns over the police's excessive use of force and called for an end to arbitrary arrests while urging authorities to de-escalate tensions.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Vučić characterized the violence as a sign of "total weakness" and proclaimed intentions to confront the "bullies" behind the chaos. He has firmly rejected calls for early elections, denouncing the upheaval as part of a foreign plot against his administration. Meanwhile, Russia has pledged support for Vučić, asserting that they cannot remain passive to the unrest in "brotherly Serbia."
The ongoing demonstrations stemmed from public outrage over not just the railway tragedy but the broader themes of government integrity and accountability. Initial demands for transparency have spiraled into calls for fresh elections and an end to Vučić's lengthy rule.
With injuries reported during various protests across Serbia and videos circulating on social media depicting police violence, the nation remains in a state of unrest, with protests continuing to grip cities nationwide.
