Sat Sep 06 16:11:20 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text, written from an Indian perspective for “The Hindu”:
**Summary:**
Anti-government protests in Novi Sad, Serbia, turned violent, leading to clashes between protesters and riot police. The protests, sparked by a deadly train station collapse attributed to corruption, are demanding early elections and have grown into a major challenge for President Aleksandar Vucic. Police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters, who allegedly attacked police with flares, bottles and stones. Dozens have been detained, and police officers were injured. The President accuses protesters of threatening national stability and alleges foreign involvement, while also organizing pro-government rallies. The political crisis has already led to the government’s collapse, but Vucic resists calls for new elections.
**News Article:**
**Serbia Reels as Anti-Government Protests Turn Violent: India Watches Closely**
**Belgrade, September 6, 2025:** Serbia is facing a deepening political crisis as anti-government protests in the northern city of Novi Sad turned violent on Friday, leaving dozens detained and several police officers injured. The demonstrations, initially triggered by public outrage over the fatal collapse of the Novi Sad train station in November of last year, have evolved into a broader movement demanding early elections and challenging the authority of President Aleksandar Vucic.
The train station collapse, which claimed 16 lives, was widely blamed on endemic corruption. Protesters, largely students, have been demanding a transparent investigation into the incident, but their calls have since amplified to encompass broader issues of governance and accountability.
“Students have one urgent demand: Call elections,” read a prominent banner carried during Friday’s demonstration.
The protest escalated as demonstrators marched towards the city’s university campus. Reports indicate that police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd, while protesters allegedly responded by throwing flares, bottles, and stones at the officers.
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic condemned the violence, stating that 13 police officers were injured and 42 people were detained. “The protesters attacked police in front of the faculty of philosophy throwing stones, flares and with bars,” he told state-run RTS television.
President Vucic has accused the protesters of attempting to destabilize the country and has alleged foreign interference in the demonstrations. He announced that pro-government rallies will be held across Serbia on Sunday. “People in Serbia should know that the state is stronger than anyone…that will always be the case,” Vucic stated.
The protests have already led to the resignation of the prime minister and the collapse of his government, highlighting the severity of the political challenge facing Vucic. However, he has so far resisted calls for snap elections.
For India, the situation in Serbia is a pertinent reminder of the importance of good governance and addressing public grievances effectively. As a nation committed to democratic principles, India will be watching closely how the situation unfolds in Serbia and hopes for a peaceful and just resolution to the crisis. The events serve as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unchecked corruption and the importance of transparent and accountable leadership.
**[End of Article]**
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