Tensions in Serbia have escalated with daily reports of police violence, arrests, and allegations that the government is hiring criminal gangs to attack the population. Anti-corruption protests began after 16 people died when a railway station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad in November 2024. Demonstrations initially were peaceful but have turned violent in Belgrade and other locations. President Aleksandar Vucic has taken a harder line in response. The EU has called for de-escalation and investigations into possible excessive force, while some politicians and observers say EU statements are insufficient and call for a tougher stance.
Tensions in Serbia are high. Each day, there are new reports of police violence and arrests against demonstrators, along with accusations that the Western Balkan country's government is hiring criminal gangs to attack its own population. Anti-corruption protests have been ongoing since 16 people were killed when a railway station canopy collapsed in the northern city of Novi Sad in November 2024. The demonstrations began peacefully, but in recent days, violence has escalated in the capital Belgrade and beyond.
EU ambassador to Serbia, Andreas von Beckerath, issued a statement calling on "all sides to de-escalate tensions." Any suspicion of excessive use of force by the police must be properly investigated, he said. The European Commission told DW that it was closely monitoring the situation. "The right to peaceful demonstration and freedom of assembly must be respected, and the authorities must protect participants in assemblies from harm or violence," said spokesperson Guillaume Mercier.
Collection
[
|
...
]