Protesters block streets in Serbia post-arrests

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    In the wake of escalating political tensions in Serbia, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets on Sunday, voicing their outrage over the detention of anti-government protesters detained during a large-scale rally the previous day. These demonstrators, calling for early elections, established blockades throughout the capital, Belgrade, by positioning metal barricades and trash bins. They further obstructed a significant bridge over the Sava River, showcasing their discontent.

    In the northern city of Novi Sad, protestors made a bold statement by pelting the offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party with eggs. Reports indicate that similar protest activities, involving street blockades, have taken place in various smaller cities across the nation.

    The protest movement on Sunday was adamant in its demand for the release of multiple university students and other individuals detained for either clashing with the police or allegedly conspiring against the government during the Saturday rally in Belgrade. This demonstration, witnessed by tens of thousands, came after a sustained eight-month period of dissent that has posed significant challenges to the leadership of populist President Aleksandar Vucic.

    Protesters condemned the current government as “illegitimate” and attributed any violence that transpired during the rallies to the authorities. The official end of the Saturday rally was marked by clashes between riot police and protesters, with officers deploying pepper spray and batons while facing a barrage of rocks, bottles, and other projectiles from the crowd.

    On Sunday, authorities reported that 48 police officers had sustained injuries in these confrontations, while 22 protestors had sought medical assistance. Out of the 77 individuals held in detention, 38 remained in custody facing criminal charges, according to Interior Minister Ivica Dacic. Prosecutors added that at least eight more individuals had been detained throughout the day.

    Addressing the public on Sunday, President Vucic condemned the rally organizers, accusing them of inciting violence and attacking law enforcement, and called for legal actions to be taken. He criticized the participants, specifically targeting the head dean of the University of Belgrade, Vladan Djokic, who joined the protests.

    Vucic assured that further arrests were imminent and that the authorities were in the process of identifying all individuals involved. The recent protest activities were reportedly fueled by a prior incident involving the collapse of a renovated rail station canopy in November, which resulted in 16 fatalities. Many citizens attribute this tragedy in Novi Sad to corruption and negligence in government-led infrastructure projects.

    Despite months of dissent, President Vucic has staunchly resisted calls from students and protestors for immediate snap elections, maintaining the timeline for regular elections in 2027. “Serbia won. You cannot destroy Serbia with violence,” Vucic asserted, warning of impending accountability.

    Critics accuse Vucic of authoritarian tendencies, alleging a suppression of democratic freedoms while permitting corruption and organized crime to prosper. Vucic, who rose to power over a decade ago, denies these claims. As Serbia formally seeks admission to the European Union, its current government continues to cultivate its diplomatic ties with both Russia and China.