Wed Jul 02 13:00:00 UTC 2025: **Serbia Rocked by Violent Protests as Discontent with Vucic’s Rule Boils Over**
**Belgrade, Serbia** – Thousands of Serbian protesters clashed with police in Belgrade over the weekend, marking a significant escalation in months-long demonstrations against President Aleksandar Vucic’s government. Demonstrators are decrying what they see as widespread corruption, authoritarian tendencies, and stifling of democratic freedoms during Vucic’s nearly 12 years in power.
The protests, which began in November following a deadly infrastructure collapse blamed on corruption, have gained momentum. Protesters are now demanding snap elections, reforms to ensure free and fair voting, and an end to government’s deepening ties with Russia and China.
Saturday’s rally saw particularly intense clashes. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds, while protesters responded with flares and bottles. Authorities reported 48 police officers injured and 77 people detained, with 38 remaining in custody facing criminal charges. Protesters claimed that 22 were injured.
Vucic has condemned the protests as violent attempts to destabilize the state, accusing organizers of inciting violence and labeling them “terrorists.” He has also alleged the protests are part of a foreign plot.
Critics accuse Vucic of becoming increasingly authoritarian since taking office, first as prime minister in 2014 and then as president in 2017.
Despite Vucic’s claims, the European Council on Foreign Relations notes that the student-led movement has less foreign support than previous demonstrations, while Vucic enjoys a stronger grip on security infrastructure than his predecessors.
While experts are unsure if these demonstrations will achieve short-term success, protestors say that they will continue their demonstrations and will “take freedom into your own hands.”
First Piper 