Serbian Protests Intensify Amid Massive Anti-Gov’t Rally in Belgrade

Protesters clashed with riot police in Belgrade after a massive anti-government rally attended by tens of thousands. The main gathering was largely peaceful, but later demonstrations saw young demonstrators throwing flares, rocks, and bottles at police, who responded with pepper spray.

Demonstrators rolled trash cans to the streets as shield-carrying riot police tried to surround them. Police parked anti-riot vehicles in central Belgrade to block demonstrators from returning.

Protesters streamed into central Belgrade earlier in the day, many carrying banners and wearing T-shirts inscribed with “Students win.” The protests were led by students demanding an early parliamentary election and rule of law, accusing the government of crime and corruption.