Law enforcement in Serbia employs tear gas to scatter demonstrators advocating against the government.
In the heart of Novi Sad, Serbia, on August 13, the city witnessed its most violent clashes since the protests began following the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station roof last year. The incident claimed the lives of 16 individuals and sparked a wave of protests that have continued for months.
The August 13 protests were attended by students, opposition groups, and anti-corruption organizations, who gathered at a university campus, demanding early elections and the resignation of President Aleksandar Vucic and his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). The demonstrations remained largely leaderless by design, to avoid arrests, as part of a broad anti-corruption movement.
However, the peaceful nature of the protests took a turn for the worse as the day progressed. Clashes between protesters and police escalated, leading to injuries on both sides. Eleven police officers were reportedly injured during the clash, while no immediate information on the number of protesters hurt was available.
The protesters carried banners calling for elections and chanted "Vucic, leave!" as they clashed with police, who used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd. The protesters, in turn, threw flares during the confrontation.
The clashes marked a shift in the nature of the protests, moving from mostly peaceful demonstrations to more violent confrontations. Students, opposition groups, and anti-corruption organizations have accused President Vucic and his allies of using violence against political opponents, suppressing media freedoms, and even having ties to organized crime.
President Vucic, in response, has denied these accusations, stating that foreign security services are influencing the protests. He also announced that his supporters would stage rallies across the country on Sunday, following the violent clashes in Novi Sad.
Protesters have repeatedly blamed government corruption for the railway station disaster and have demanded early elections as a means to bring about change. As the protests continue, the future of Novi Sad and Serbia remains uncertain.
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