Serbia Protests Escalate as Thousands Block Streets
The protests have brought the country to a standstill, with thousands of people taking to the streets to demand change. The government's response to the protests has been met with criticism, with many accusing it of heavy-handedness. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the protesters' demands and whether a resolution can be found to the ongoing crisis.
Thousands of people set up street blockades in Serbia, angry over the arrest of anti-government protesters who clashed with police at a massive rally demanding early elections. The protests, which have been ongoing for nearly eight months, have been led by the University of Belgrade's head dean, Vladan Djokic, who was among those arrested.
The protesters put up metal fences and garbage containers at various locations in the capital Belgrade, blocking a key bridge over the Sava river. In the northern city of Novi Sad, protesters pelted the offices of the ruling populist Serbian Progressive Party with eggs. The protests were organized in response to the arrest of 77 people, including 38 who remained in custody, for allegedly attacking police or plotting to overthrow the government.
The anti-government protests started after a student protest in November, which killed 16 people, and have continued with protesters demanding an immediate snap vote instead of regular elections planned for 2027. President Aleksandar Vucic has repeatedly rejected the demand for a snap vote and has accused the protesters of inciting violence and attacks on police. The protesters, however, have declared the current government "illegitimate" and laid the responsibility for any violence on the government.
The violence marks a escalation in tensions between the government and opposition, which have been rising in recent months. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has vowed to take a tougher stance against protesters after a rally turned violent, with police firing tear gas and arresting dozens. The situation remains volatile, with protesters showing no signs of backing down and the government determined to maintain its stance.