Anti-government protests continued across Serbia on Friday evening, marked by clashes between demonstrators and police in several cities.
In central Belgrade, riot police confronted protesters in tense standoffs, while further incidents occurred along King Alexander Boulevard. Demonstrators set fire to dumpsters and launched pyrotechnics, prompting police to respond with tear gas and armored vehicles to disperse the crowds. Reports indicate that several people were injured during the unrest.
In Novi Sad, the protest ended more peacefully, officially wrapping up around 10:30 PM without major incidents.
The latest demonstrations were sparked by attacks on government critics earlier this week. On August 12, supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) reportedly assaulted opposition activists in Vrbas and Bačka Palanka, fueling further public anger.
For more than nine months, student-led anti-government protests have been ongoing across Serbia. Protesters are demanding accountability for the deaths of 16 people in the collapse of a concrete shelter at Novi Sad’s train station on November 1, 2024, as well as the calling of early elections.
The government, however, has denied responsibility for the tragedy and continues to reject demands for snap elections, despite nearly daily protests over the past eight months.
