BELGRADE, Serbia – June 28, 2025 – Leading Western news agencies reported on clashes in downtown Belgrade tonight, stating that police used tear gas against anti-government demonstrators.
Associated Press (AP) Account
The American agency Associated Press reported that riot police “fired tear gas at thousands of anti-government protesters” at a large rally against Serbia’s populist President Aleksandar Vučić. AP noted that tensions were high both before and during the rally, organized to support the demand for snap parliamentary elections.
The agency added that police were deployed around state buildings and near “Vučić loyalists’ camp” in Pionirski Park in central Belgrade, where “clashes broke out between police officers and groups of protesters.” The report also stated that students, at the end of the official part of the rally, told the crowd to “take freedom into their own hands.”
Agence France-Presse (AFP) Account
The French agency Agence France-Presse reported that Serbian police used tear gas and stun grenades against demonstrators in central Belgrade, where tens of thousands of people gathered demanding snap elections. AFP journalists in Belgrade reported that more than four hours after the protest began, clashes erupted between groups of demonstrators, some of whom threw smoke bombs, and security forces, who used tear gas and stun grenades.
Reuters Account
Reuters reported tonight that “Serbian police clashed with anti-government protesters” who are demanding snap elections and an end to President Vučić’s 12-year rule. The agency stated that dozens of riot police were deployed around state buildings, especially the parliament and nearby Pionirski Park, where crowds of Vučić’s supporters from across the country gathered for a counter-protest.
Reuters added that some demonstrators, who wanted to confront Vučić’s supporters, threw flares at police officers after the protest ended around 10:00 PM, and that police used pepper spray to disperse them. Demonstrators shouted “Lower your shields!” calling on the police to stop the intervention, according to Reuters.
