Serbian police use tear gas against protesters demanding the end of Vucic

2025-09-06 09:06:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Serbian police have fired tear gas and smoke grenades at anti-government protesters in the city of Novi Sad, who are demanding early elections and the overthrow of President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year government.

Thousands of people gathered on Friday at the city's state university campus for another demonstration after 10 months of ongoing unrest sparked by the collapse of the roof of the Novi Sad train station last November, which killed 16 people.

The tragedy became a flashpoint for frustrations with the government, with many Serbs saying it was caused by alleged corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects and calling for Vu?i?'s removal.

"Vu?i?, go away," were their cries, while demanding early elections.

As they marched towards the campus, police attempted to disperse them with tear gas and smoke grenades.

The Beta news agency reported that protesters had earlier thrown fireworks and bottles at police.

In a speech late Friday evening, President Vu?i? said 11 police officers were injured. There was no information on how many protesters were injured.

“We will not allow the destruction of state institutions,” Vu?i? told reporters. “Serbia is a strong and responsible state.”

He accused foreign security services of hiding behind anti-government protesters and said his supporters would hold rallies in cities across Serbia on Sunday.

Months of nationwide protests have been largely peaceful, but took a more violent turn on August 13, when dozens of civilians and police officers were injured in clashes in a number of locations.

Authorities have denied allegations of brutality, despite videos showing officers beating unarmed protesters and allegations that activists were attacked while in custody.

Students, opposition groups and anti-corruption watchdogs accuse Vucic and his allies of links to organized crime, using violence against political rivals and suppressing media freedoms.

Vu?i? denies the charges and has defiantly remained in office at the head of a reorganized administration. His nationalist Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has responded to the protests by organizing its own rallies across the country. / CNA