Serbian police have removed street barricades in Belgrade, the capital, erected by protesters demonstrating against the government of President Aleksandar Vucic.
The demonstrators are calling for the release of university students and others arrested following a large rally over the weekend. Those arrested are accused of attacking police or attempting to overthrow the government.
On Monday, police dismantled metal barriers and cleared garbage containers used to block traffic in Belgrade’s Zemun district. Dozens of protesters responded by raising their hands and chanting anti-government slogans.
Police also intervened separately in the city centre.
Protesters subsequently shifted tactics, repeatedly walking across a pedestrian crossing to obstruct traffic.
The protests and blockades began following a train station canopy collapse in November that resulted in 16 fatalities.
Many Serbians attribute the tragedy to negligence related to corruption in state infrastructure projects.
On Sunday evening, thousands of demonstrators blocked traffic in Belgrade and other locations, including a major bridge over the Sava River in the capital.
Police cleared these blockades early on Monday.
Police reported that a number of individuals were detained, without specifying the exact number.
Video circulating on social media showed police vehicles driving at high speeds through a blockade on a Belgrade street, causing people to scatter.
During a visit to Spain, Mr. Vucic praised the police action, stating: “Citizens should not worry, the state is strong enough to secure law and order.”
On Saturday, tens of thousands of people participated in a student-led rally demanding snap parliamentary elections in hopes of removing Mr. Vucic’s right-wing government.
Following the official end of the rally, groups of protesters clashed with police.
Dozens were subsequently detained.
Mr. Vucic has rejected calls for an election, which is currently scheduled for 2027.
University students and professors are playing a leading role in the nearly daily protests that have been ongoing for eight months. Mr. Vucic has accused them of “terror” and attempts to destabilize the country.
Riot police used batons, pepper spray, and shields to confront demonstrators who were throwing rocks and other objects at police lines.
Police stated that nearly 40 people are facing criminal charges related to the clashes.
Authorities have detained at least eight university students for alleged acts against the constitutional order and national security, accusing them of planning attacks on state institutions.
Critics argue that Mr. Vucic has become increasingly authoritarian since assuming power a decade ago, suppressing democratic freedoms while allowing corruption and organised crime to thrive, accusations he denies.
Serbia is formally seeking membership in the European Union, but Mr. Vucic’s government has also fostered close ties with Russia and China.
