Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic previously warned that riots would not be tolerated
Protesters clashed with police during a large anti-government demonstration in Belgrade, Serbia, on Saturday.
The latest unrest erupted after the Serbian government rejected an ultimatum from demonstrators demanding the dissolution of parliament and the scheduling of new elections. The deadline set by the activists expired at 9 p.m.
Footage from the scene shows masked protesters hurling stones, flares, and other projectiles at law enforcement officers.
The police have deployed armored vehicles to the streets of Belgrade and were seen charging the violent crowd.
Riot police armed with shields and batons were seen pushing the protesters away from the government quarter, securing the area around the parliament building.
Police chief Dragan Vasiljevic said the officers had “acted very professionally” and used only “minimal force” to prevent rioting. He reported that six officers and two civilians were injured, and that several people had been detained.
Earlier in the day, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić vowed to “defend the country,” reiterating the government’s claim that the protests were instigated by “foreign powers.” He warned activists against resorting to violence.
The latest demonstration follows months of recurring, student-led protests sparked by the collapse of a concrete canopy at a railway station in Novi Sad last November, which killed 16 people. The incident triggered nationwide outrage and demands for accountability.
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