Thousands Protest Police Brutality, Crackdown in Belgrade

Ongoing protests in Serbia against President Aleksandar Vucic and his government have persisted for nine months, sparked by the deadly collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad, which protesters attribute to government corruption. The demonstrations, involving up to 500,000 people and widespread student occupations of universities, have been met with escalating police brutality and coordinated attacks by masked pro-government paramilitary groups. Protesters have accused the police of excessive force, including beatings and sexual harassment, while demanding accountability and snap elections, which Vucic has rejected. Recent protests in Belgrade featured thousands calling for punishment of police officers responsible for violence, with chants of "He is finished" directed at Vucic. The European Union has expressed concern over the violence and called for respect of the right to protest, though its response has been considered mild. Additionally, fan disorder linked to political tensions occurred during a Serbia-England World Cup qualifier, reflecting the wider unrest in the country.