Multiple incidents and violent clashes between anti-government protesters and supporters of the ruling party were reported on August 13 in several Serbian cities during demonstrations under the slogan “Serbia, Wake Up”. The protests were sparked by earlier violence by ruling party supporters against citizens, mainly in Vojvodina.
Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić confirmed that many civilians and at least 14 to 15 police officers were injured, stating:
“We witnessed scenes of violence again tonight — a brutal attack on the state, on citizens with different political views, and on the police.”
Dačić added that the highest levels of violence occurred in Novi Sad and Belgrade and vowed that all individuals who attacked police officers will be arrested within 48 hours.
Tensions in Belgrade
In Belgrade, clashes broke out when protesters attempted to approach the headquarters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), but were stopped by police. Near the Serbian Parliament, tensions flared between ruling party supporters, who have been camping there for months, and anti-government demonstrators.
The Belgrade Emergency Service reported that 103 people sought medical assistance overnight, with most injuries resulting from traffic accidents. The most severe incident occurred on Zrenjanin Road, involving a van and leaving seven people injured.
Firearms Incident in Novi Sad
In Novi Sad, tensions escalated when protesters chased SNS activists near an ambulance vehicle parked in front of the party’s offices. SNS supporters responded with fireworks, prompting demonstrators to throw objects in return.
A Serbian Army officer, identified as Sergeant Vladimir Brkušanin, reportedly drew his service pistol while shouting “Police!” during the confrontation. Dačić stated that Brkušanin was on official duty protecting a high-profile individual and was seriously injured in the incident. He claimed the situation could have resulted in fatalities had the weapon not been displayed.
President Vučić’s Response
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the violence, claiming that 16 police officers were injured, including two seriously, and accusing anti-government protesters of provoking clashes. He insisted that “no one attacked the demonstrators anywhere.”
Nationwide Protests Continue
The “Serbia, Wake Up” protests took place in dozens of cities, including Niš, Čačak, Smederevo, Užice, and Pančevo. They follow August 12 unrest in Vrbas and Bačka Palanka, where clashes between government supporters and opponents turned violent.
For over nine months, Serbia has seen ongoing anti-government demonstrations, led primarily by students, demanding accountability from authorities over the death of 16 people in the collapse of the main railway station canopy in Novi Sad on November 1.
