In Serbia, clashes occurred during anti-government protests

• Clashes took place during protests in Vrbas.
• They demand early parliamentary elections.
• The protests have been ongoing since November 2022.

In Belgrade, Serbia, clashes occurred between protesters and government supporters during the protests, marking an escalation of tensions after more than nine months of ongoing demonstrations against President Aleksandar Vučić.

The incidents began on the evening of September 12 in the town of Vrbas, to the northwest of the capital Belgrade. The police dispersed the protesters, who were speaking out against the ruling Serbian Progressive Party.

Videos from the scene showed government supporters throwing flares, stones, and other objects at the protesters, who responded with similar items. The police reported about a dozen injuries, including 16 police officers. Similar incidents have also occurred in other parts of the country.

Student protests in Serbia began in November after the demolition of a building in the city of Novi Sad, where 16 people died, which triggered accusations of corruption in state infrastructure projects.

From the outset, the protests have attracted thousands of people, challenging Vučić's tight control over power in Serbia. Government supporters recently began organizing counter-demonstrations, which provoked incidents of violence.

The police reported that several people were detained following the clashes in Vrbas. Police commissioner Dragan Vasiljević stated that the protesters "came to attack" government supporters.

Protesters claimed that government supporters were the first to attack them in Vrbas, as well as in southern Bačka Palanka, and later in Novi Sad and the city of Niš. In Belgrade, police dispersed the protesters who had gathered in the city center.

Protests in Serbia since November have primarily been peaceful. Students demand that Vučić call early parliamentary elections, which he has refused to do. Protesting students also called for the resignation of Minister of Internal Affairs Ivica Dačić over recent violence at demonstrations.

Serbia is formally seeking to become a member of the European Union, but Vučić maintains close ties with Russia and China. He is accused of violating democratic freedoms since coming to power 13 years ago.

Tags: Europe/Politics