The offices of Serbia’s ruling party, Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), were set on fire during a fifth night of unrest in a row, marked by clashes between anti-government protesters and riot police.
The incident occurred in the city of Valjevo, where police reportedly used stun grenades and tear gas on protesters after a small group of masked individuals attacked the empty facilities of the SNS.
The protests, which were initially triggered by a railway station collapse in Novi Sad in November last year that killed 16 people, have drawn hundreds of thousands of protesters and have been largely peaceful until recent clashes.
Many blame corruption and corner-cutting by President Aleksandar Vučić’s government for the disaster. The demonstrations have since grown into demands for early elections and an end to Vučić’s 12-year reign.
There were widespread allegations of violence and police brutality in the capital, Belgrade, and Novi Sad. Serbia’s interior ministry has denied these allegations.
Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s commissioner for human rights, raised concerns over the “police’s disproportionate force” in Serbia, urging authorities to “end arbitrary arrests and de-escalate the situation.”
Vučić responded to the developments on Instagram, writing that “violence is an expression of total weakness” and promising to “punish the bullies.” He has repeatedly rejected calls for early elections and denounced the demonstrations as part of a foreign plot to overthrow him.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has offered its support to the pro-Moscow president, saying it would not “remain unresponsive” to the situation in Serbia.
The statement said that police were “using lawful methods and means to contain the violent mobs” and that “public order, security, and human lives” were at risk.
The protests have gripped Serbia almost daily since the Novi Sad railway station collapse, with thousands attending pro-government rallies and anti-government demonstrations.
The tragedy has become a symbol of entrenched corruption in the Balkan nation, with calls for transparent probes growing into demands for early elections and an end to Vučić’s rule.
The situation remains volatile, with riot police deployed in several cities, including Belgrade, as people took part in demonstrations to demand early elections.
Offices and flags representing Vučić’s SNS party have been a focus of the protesters’ anger, with some incidents of property damage and injuries reported.
As the situation continues to unfold, concerns about police brutality and the government’s response to the protests remain. The international community is watching closely, with many urging restraint and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
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