Dozens gets wounded in Belgrade demonstrations

(MENAFN) Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has commended police for maintaining order during a massive anti-government protest in Belgrade on Saturday, where clashes left 56 people injured and 22 arrested. Authorities estimated that between 88,000 and 107,000 demonstrators took part, making it one of the largest protests in Serbia’s recent history.

Vucic accused certain individuals within the mostly peaceful crowd of attempting to incite a "color revolution," claiming foreign interference aimed at destabilizing the country. Violence broke out near the presidential building in Pionirski Park when a group of "intoxicated individuals" allegedly attacked police officers and damaged property, according to the president.

Speaking in a televised address from the Palace of Serbia, Vucic confirmed that all injured individuals were receiving medical care and emphasized that there were no fatalities or serious injuries. He praised law enforcement for showing restraint, stating, "We did not even raise a baton." He also dismissed claims that authorities used sonic crowd control weapons, clarifying that the device seen was an anti-drone rifle.

The protest follows months of student-led demonstrations against alleged government corruption and negligence, sparked by the deadly collapse of a canopy at Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, which killed 15 people. Vucic maintains that the unrest is politically driven, aimed at undermining Serbia’s stability.

"We preserved peace and stability, and I congratulate our security forces for their serious and responsible approach," the president stated.

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