Last Updated:
The first reports of violence emerged in the northwestern town of Vrbas on August 13.
The protests form part of a months-long movement against President Vučić’s administration (X/Combate)
Serbia witnessed widespread clashes across its capital, Belgrade, and other major cities on Wednesday, as tensions escalated between anti-government protesters and supporters of President Aleksandar Vučić, reported AP. The violence, which left dozens injured, including 16 police officers, marks one of the most serious outbreaks of unrest in recent months.
The first reports of violence emerged in the northwestern town of Vrbas, before the unrest spread to cities such as Novi Sad, Kragujevac, Čačak, and Niš. Police confirmed that several arrests were made in connection with the disturbances.
Big protests are happening tonight across Serbia 🇷🇸 against Vučić’s regime. Tension is growing, and there are clashes with police in many cities.Vučić should call early elections before things get worse.
This is video from Novi Sad. pic.twitter.com/IXkuzwYGHb
— Based Serbia (@SerbiaBased) August 13, 2025
The protests form part of a months-long movement against President Vučić’s administration, fuelled by allegations of corruption, cronyism, and deteriorating democratic standards. The unrest began in November last year, initially led by student organisations, and gained momentum following the collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people. The tragedy sparked widespread public anger over alleged government corruption in state infrastructure projects.
While demonstrators accuse the government of negligence and authoritarianism, President Vučić has blamed the protesters for inciting violence. Counter-demonstrations by government supporters have further heightened tensions. In Novi Sad, Vučić’s backers reportedly threw flares at protesters, prompting retaliation in the form of vandalism, including smashed windows at the offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party.
Interior Minister Ivica DaÄŤić confirmed that at least one police officer was injured, calling for a firm response and the “return of law and order.”
In Belgrade, thousands gathered to protest, with riot police deploying tear gas to disperse crowds. Demonstrations were also reported in central Serbia and the south, as frustration continues to mount.
The unrest follows incidents on Tuesday night in Vrbas, where riot police were deployed to separate rival groups outside the ruling party’s offices. Police Commissioner Dragan Vasiljević told state broadcaster RTS that protesters “came to attack” the president’s supporters.
Serbia remains a candidate for European Union membership, but Vučić’s government has maintained strong diplomatic ties with both Russia and China. Since coming to power over a decade ago, Vučić has been accused by critics of eroding media freedom, suppressing dissent, and consolidating executive power.
view comments
Read More
