Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić declared that there will be “no mercy” for thugs and hooligans, following violent clashes during anti-government protests in multiple Serbian cities. Speaking late Wednesday night, Vučić said that 64 injured supporters of his ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) were inside party headquarters in Novi Sad, receiving medical assistance.
The president also reported that 16 police officers were injured, two seriously, describing the evening as “difficult” for Serbian citizens.
“Thanks to the wisdom, patience, and tolerance of a large number of citizens, we somehow managed to preserve peace,” Vučić said at a press conference at the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Belgrade.
Vučić accused demonstrators of organizing to “beat and kill” political opponents, claiming that in Novi Sad, over 1,000 protesters attacked both the front and rear of the SNS building, later retrieving sticks from the University of Novi Sad campus to continue their assault.
In Belgrade, he said 3,084 protesters attacked police and citizens “who think differently” at various locations.
“We will restore public order and peace,” Vučić vowed, adding that he expects the prosecutor’s office to take swift action.
Military Involvement Denied
Vučić stressed that the Serbian Army was never considered for deployment and dismissed the possibility of a civil war.
“I invite them to sit down and talk… The streets of Belgrade and soon Novi Sad will be cleared of thugs. There will be no mercy,” he said.
Incident with a Firearm in Novi Sad
Footage from Novi Sad showed a man drawing a pistol during clashes between SNS supporters and protesters. Interior Minister Ivica Dačić clarified that the individual was Serbian Army Warrant Officer Vladimir Brkušanin, on official duty protecting a high-profile individual.
Dačić said Brkušanin was seriously injured and insisted that the firearm was displayed legally, claiming that its use prevented potentially fatal consequences.
The minister also confirmed that dozens of citizens and at least 14–15 police officers were injured during the protests, with the highest levels of violence in Novi Sad and Belgrade.
Prosecutor Orders Identification of Attackers
The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade ordered police to identify all individuals who attacked law enforcement during the unregistered protests in the capital. Perpetrators will face charges of violent behavior at a public gathering.
The office emphasized that street violence cannot go unpunished, particularly when directed against officers tasked with maintaining public order.
