Serbian police fire tear gas at protesters demanding end to Vucic rule

In Novi Sad, Serbian police are firing tear gas and stun grenades at antigovernment demonstrators calling for snap elections and the end of President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year government.

Following ten months of unwavering opposition, which was brought on by the fatal Novi Sad train station roof collapse in November, which resulted in 16 fatalities, thousands of people gathered on Friday at the state university campus of the city for yet another demonstration.

Many Serbians alleged that the tragedy was the result of alleged corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects, and demanded that Vucic step down.

As they marched toward the campus, police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse them, the crowds chanted, “Vucic leave,” repeating their demands for early elections.

Protesters had previously reportedly pelted bottles and flares at the police, according to the Beta news agency.

11 policemen were hurt, according to President Vucic in an address delivered late on Friday evening. No details were provided as to how many protesters had been hurt.

According to Vucic, “We are not going to allow the destruction of the state institutions.” Serbia is a strong, responsible state, according to the statement.

He claimed that anti-government protesters were being supported by foreign security forces and that his supporters would stage rallies on Sunday in Serbian cities.

The months of peaceful protests have largely passed peacefully, but on August 13 dozens of civilians and police officers were hurt in clashes a number of locations.

The violence, which protesters blamed on government loyalists and police for their heavy-handed actions, was repeated on Monday at a Novi Sad march to commemorate the tragedy’s 10-month anniversary.

Despite videos showing officers beating unarmed protesters and accusations that activists were assaulted while in custody, authorities have refuted allegations of brutality.

Vucic and his allies are accused of using violence against political rivals, preventing media freedoms, and intimidating students, opposition groups, and anticorruption watchdogs.