Mon Jun 30 14:39:59 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Serbian Police Clear Belgrade Protests, Arrests Made Amid Growing Anti-Government Sentiment**
Belgrade, Serbia – Serbian police have cleared barricades erected by anti-government protesters in Belgrade following a weekend of demonstrations that saw clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. While the exact number of arrests remains undisclosed, police confirmed that “many” individuals have been taken into custody, further inflaming tensions.
On Monday, authorities removed barricades of metal fences and rubbish containers that had been blocking traffic in the Zemun district. Dozens of protesters gathered, chanting slogans against the populist government and vowing to continue their demonstrations.
President Aleksandar Vucic, currently in Spain, praised the police action, vowing to maintain “law and order.” He stated, “Citizens should not worry, the state is strong enough to secure law and order.”
The protests, fueled by months of simmering discontent, escalated after a train station roof collapse in Novi Sad last November, which killed 16 people. The incident, widely blamed on corruption and shoddy construction, triggered a wave of public anger.
Saturday saw an estimated 140,000 people take to the streets of Belgrade demanding snap elections to remove Vucic’s right-wing government. Authorities dispute the figure, claiming the crowd was closer to 36,000. During the demonstration, clashes erupted, leaving nearly 50 police officers and 22 protesters injured. Police used batons, pepper spray, and shields, while protesters reportedly threw rocks. Authorities have stated that approximately 40 individuals face criminal charges in connection with the violence, and at least eight university students have been arrested and accused of plotting attacks on state institutions.
While the November tragedy led to the resignation of the prime minister and the collapse of the government, Vucic quickly reshuffled his cabinet and formed a new government, refusing to call for early elections before the scheduled 2027 date.
Vucic has accused “foreign powers” of orchestrating the protests, alleging that demonstrators were attempting to “topple Serbia.” Russia, a close neighbor and ally of Serbia, commented on the situation, suggesting the protests could be an attempted “colour revolution,” echoing language used to describe Ukraine’s 2004 Orange Revolution.
“We have no doubt that the current Serbian leadership will be able to restore law and order in the republic in the very near future,” a Russian spokesperson stated.
Vucic’s close ties to Moscow were highlighted by his presence at the Red Square military parade in May, commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
First Piper 