Serbia's Riot Police Deploy Tear Gas at Protesters Demanding Early Elections in Belgrade

In Belgrade, riot police used tear gas against thousands of protesters opposing the government. The demonstration was organised to demand early parliamentary elections and challenge President Aleksandar Vucic's leadership. This protest followed nearly eight months of student-led demonstrations that have shaken Vucic's control in Serbia. The crowd, chanting for elections, filled Slavija Square and surrounding areas, with many unable to reach the main venue.

Before and during the protest, tensions were high as riot police surrounded government buildings and a camp of Vucic supporters in central Belgrade. Clashes occurred between officers and protesters near this camp. A student speaker declared, "Elections are a clear way out of the social crisis caused by the deeds of the government, which is undoubtedly against the interests of their own people." The rally concluded with students urging attendees to "take freedom into your own hands."

Protests Sparked by Infrastructure Failures

The anti-corruption protests began after a renovated rail station canopy collapsed on November 1, killing 16 people. Many blamed this tragedy on government corruption and negligence in infrastructure projects. Darko Kovacevic expressed frustration, saying, "We are here today because we cannot take it any more." He added that corruption has persisted for too long.

Despite ongoing protests, Vucic and his Serbian Progressive Party have refused calls for early elections. They accused demonstrators of inciting violence under foreign influence without providing specifics. Authorities have cracked down on striking universities and independent media to suppress dissent.

Significance of St. Vitus Day

The protest coincided with St. Vitus Day, a significant date marking a 14th-century battle against Ottoman Turks in Kosovo. This event holds symbolic importance for Serbs and was used to fuel nationalism in the 1990s during ethnic conflicts following Yugoslavia's breakup.

Earlier in the day, Vucic's party brought supporters from across Serbia to Belgrade, many wearing T-shirts reading: "We won't give up Serbia." They joined a camp of loyalists who have been staying in tents since mid-March. Meanwhile, Vucic presented presidential awards to artists and journalists in a display of normalcy.

Government Actions Amidst Protests

Serbian police reported 36,000 attendees at the protest's start. Authorities had previously arrested individuals accused of plotting against the government and banned entry to several foreigners without explanation. Train services were halted over an alleged bomb threat, which critics saw as an attempt to prevent travel to the rally.

Similar measures were taken in March before a massive anti-government protest that drew hundreds of thousands. During that event, panic ensued when part of the crowd scattered suddenly, leading to allegations that authorities used a sonic weapon—claims officials denied.

Vucic has become increasingly authoritarian since taking power over a decade ago. While he claims to support Serbia joining the European Union, critics argue he has restricted democratic freedoms while strengthening ties with Russia and China.

With inputs from PTI