Anti-corruption protests in Serbia escalated into clashes with police and ruling party supporters across major cities.
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Anti-corruption demonstrations in major Serbian cities continued into the fifth night of unrest, involving clashes between protesters and supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), who were protected by police. In Belgrade, clashes occurred near SNS offices, with reports that SNS activists targeted journalists and that police appeared to tolerate violence from party activists. In Novi Sad, protesters smashed three empty SNS offices, accusing the ruling party of corruption and authoritarianism. Authorities reported dozens of arrests, and the Interior Minister justified police force as necessary to counter attacks on officers. Throughout the unrest, police used force, including tear gas, to disperse demonstrators, while protesters also engaged in confrontations, leading to property damage and injuries. The protests represent a significant escalation following months of student-led demonstrations sparked by corruption concerns after a railway disaster.
