Serbian Police Clash With 140,000 Anti-Government Protesters in Belgrade

Massive protests led by university students have erupted in Belgrade, Serbia, demanding snap elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year rule amid allegations of corruption and government negligence. The demonstrations, which drew an estimated 140,000 participants, were sparked by the deadly collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad last November that killed 16 people and fueled broader anger toward Vucic's administration. Riot police responded with tear gas, pepper spray, and force to disperse protesters, especially after some threw flares and objects, leading to clashes near key government buildings and public squares. President Vucic accused unspecified foreign powers of orchestrating the protests and warned law enforcement to maintain restraint while emphasizing that violence would not be tolerated. Despite the unrest and calls for early elections, Vucic and his Progressive Party coalition, which holds a parliamentary majority, have refused to call snap elections, maintaining their grip on power. Counter-protests by Vucic supporters were also held, highlighting the deep political divisions within Serbia as the government faces ongoing pressure amid widespread civil unrest.