Serbian police have broken up street blockades in the capital Belgrade, marking a new escalation in protests against the government. The demonstrations, which began after a spate of arrests of anti-government protesters, were set up to demand an early parliamentary election and justice for victims of a train station canopy collapse that killed 16 people.
Thousands of protesters blocked streets and bridges in Belgrade and elsewhere, with police responding by deploying riot gear and making new arrests. The clashes left nearly 50 officers and 22 protesters injured, with dozens facing criminal charges.
President Aleksandar Vucic’s government has been criticized for its handling of the protests, with many accusing him of stifling democratic freedoms and allowing corruption to flourish. Critics say his government has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power over a decade ago.
The protests are part of persistent dissent against the government’s populist policies, which have been fueled by the train station canopy collapse in Novi Sad. The demonstrators demand a snap vote to oust Vucic’s right-wing government, but he has refused to call the election, scheduled for 2027.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/serbian-police-remove-street-blockades-belgrade-make-new-123331414