The unrest, now in its fifth consecutive night, erupted after protesters attacked the empty SNS facilities in Valjevo. Police responded with tear gas and stun grenades as the demonstrations, initially sparked by the tragic collapse of a railway station last November that resulted in the death of 16 people, moved beyond peaceful protests to violent altercations.
While many demonstrators blame government corruption for the disaster, the Serbian Interior Ministry has denied widespread allegations of police brutality during the protests, particularly in the capital, Belgrade, and in Novi Sad. After the protests escalated on Wednesday, pro-government supporters staged counter-demonstrations, intensifying the clashes.
The Serbian Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, expressed concern over the use of excessive force by police and urged for calm and protection of human rights. President Vučić, who has dismissed claims of needing early elections and branded the protests as foreign-influenced plots, vowed on Instagram to take action against those who resort to violence, branding such acts as weakness.
Meanwhile, Russia has voiced support for Vučić amidst the turmoil, asserting a commitment to assist him during this period of unrest. The protests have sparked broader calls for change, representing a significant challenge for the Serbian president, whose administration has faced increasing scrutiny over corruption.
As tensions remain high, the impact of these protests and the government's response will continue to unfold, with public sentiment clearly pushing for major political changes over the past few months.
While many demonstrators blame government corruption for the disaster, the Serbian Interior Ministry has denied widespread allegations of police brutality during the protests, particularly in the capital, Belgrade, and in Novi Sad. After the protests escalated on Wednesday, pro-government supporters staged counter-demonstrations, intensifying the clashes.
The Serbian Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, expressed concern over the use of excessive force by police and urged for calm and protection of human rights. President Vučić, who has dismissed claims of needing early elections and branded the protests as foreign-influenced plots, vowed on Instagram to take action against those who resort to violence, branding such acts as weakness.
Meanwhile, Russia has voiced support for Vučić amidst the turmoil, asserting a commitment to assist him during this period of unrest. The protests have sparked broader calls for change, representing a significant challenge for the Serbian president, whose administration has faced increasing scrutiny over corruption.
As tensions remain high, the impact of these protests and the government's response will continue to unfold, with public sentiment clearly pushing for major political changes over the past few months.
