In Serbia, protesters clashed with government officials

• About 50 protesters were detained in Serbia.
• The protests began after the tragedy at a metal processing plant.
• Students demand the conduct of extraordinary elections.

In Serbia, clashes occurred between protesters and government officials, resulting in dozens of injuries, human rights activists reported. The protests have been ongoing for more than nine months, starting after the tragedy at a metal processing plant in New Sad, where the lives of 16 people were taken.

Protests were held in several cities, including New Sad and Belgrade, after government officials attacked demonstrators in Vrbas. Participants in the clashes threw stones, bricks, and fireworks at one another. Police detained nearly 50 people, and about 30 human rights activists sustained injuries.

In one of the incidents, military police were deployed in the area, attempting to disperse the crowd. According to the words of the Minister of Internal Affairs Ivica Dacic, the protesters are accusing the government of corruption and demanding the conduct of extraordinary elections.

The protests, which are primarily organized by students, have triggered a stir due to the escalation of violence, regardless of the fact that earlier they were peaceful. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic rejected the demands for extraordinary elections, claiming that demonstrations are part of a larger scheme against him.

Additional protest actions are planned for Thursday evening, as protesters continue to press the government, demanding an investigation into the tragedy in New Sad.

Tags: Europe/Politics