Serbia’s president, Aleksandar Vucic, announced further arrests of anti-government protesters on Sunday, following clashes with police at a large demonstration demanding early parliamentary elections.
Dozens have already been detained in connection with the unrest.
At a press conference, Vucic accused organizers of Saturday’s student-led protest in Belgrade of inciting violence and assaulting police officers, calling for their legal prosecution.
He also denounced “terrorists and those who tried to bring down the state,” specifically mentioning Vladan Djokic, the head dean of the University of Belgrade, who participated in the protests.
Tens of thousands of individuals participated in the rally, which occurred after almost eight months of ongoing dissent that has challenged Vucic’s control over the Balkan nation.
Protesters declared the current government “illegitimate” and blamed the government for the violence.
Clashes with riot police erupted after the rally’s official conclusion. Police deployed pepper spray, batons, and shields, while protesters reportedly threw rocks, bottles, and other objects at law enforcement.
According to police reports released Sunday, 48 officers sustained injuries, while 22 protesters sought medical attention.
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic stated that 38 of the 77 detained individuals remain in custody, with most facing criminal charges.
“There will be more arrests,” Vucic stated. “The identification of all individuals involved is underway.”
The protests initially began after a renovated rail station canopy collapsed in November, resulting in 16 fatalities.
Many Serbians attributed the tragedy in Novi Sad to corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects.
Vucic has consistently refused to hold an immediate snap election, instead of the planned one in 2027.
“Serbia won. You cannot destroy Serbia with violence,” Vucic declared on Sunday. “They consciously wanted to spur bloodshed. The time of accountability is coming.”
Critics argue Vucic has become increasingly authoritarian since taking power over a decade ago, suppressing democratic freedoms while allowing corruption and organized crime to thrive. He denies these accusations.
Serbia is officially seeking membership in the European Union, but Vucic’s government has maintained strong relationships with Russia and China.
