Latest news with #AleksandarVucic
Observer
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Observer
Police dismantle anti-govt protesters' barricades
BELGRADE: Serbian police said on Monday they had cleared barricades that anti-government protesters had set up at the weekend, after clashes between officers and demonstrators demanding early elections. Thousands of people blocked major roads in Belgrade and other Serbian cities to protest at police handling of a mass anti-government demonstration on Saturday. The events were the latest in six months of near daily student-led protests over the collapse of a train station roof that killed 16 people. The disaster in Novi Sad in November, which followed extensive renovation work at the station, was widely blamed on poor construction and entrenched corruption. Around 140,000 people rallied in Belgrade on Saturday, in one of the largest demonstration in recent months. Clashes ensued, with riot police using tear gas and batons to disperse a crowd throwing bottles and flares. "Several people were detained for attacking and insulting police officers and for disturbing public order," police said, without specifying how many people had been arrested. They insisted officers had "acted professionally". In response, thousands of people barricaded major roads in Belgrade and other Serbian cities. Students who are blockading Belgrade universities shared videos on social media apparently showing arrests at some of the barricades. "During the night, police removed all roadblocks on routes in Belgrade and traffic can now operate normally," police said. The public uproar over the Novi Sad disaster triggered the resignation of the prime minister and the collapse of the government. But a new government was formed through a reshuffle and President Aleksandar Vucic has dismissed calls for elections. — AFP
12 hours ago
- Politics
Serbian police detain 79 protesters as dissent persists against populist president
BELGRADE, Serbia -- Serbian police said they detained 79 university students and other protesters as they broke up street blockades in several cities that are part of persistent dissent against President Aleksandar Vucic's populist government. Officers in riot gear intervened late Wednesday and early Thursday in the capital, Belgrade, the northern city of Novi Sad and the southern cities of Nis and Novi Pazar. Authorities denied reports of police brutality and excessive force against demonstrators. University students behind the protests said police charged and injured many peaceful demonstrators. Witnesses told local media that riot police beat up protesters with batons and shields and that four students were hospitalized, including one with a broken clavicle. Four officers were injured and a police vehicle was damaged, the Interior Ministry said in a statement, noting officers 'acted in accordance with the law" while responding to the unrest Wednesday and early Thursday. Tensions in the Balkan country have soared since a rally Saturday demanding early parliamentary elections. The gathering by tens of thousands of people in Belgrade ended with clashes between riot police and groups of protesters. Vucic has refused to schedule a snap vote despite more than eight months of persistent demonstrations. The protests began in November after a renovated rail station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 16 people and triggering allegations of corruption-fueled negligence in state infrastructure projects. Parliamentary and presidential elections are due in 2027. While rejecting the election demand, Vucic has stepped up government pressure to curb the protests that he describes as 'terror' and attempts to bring down the state. Critics say Vucic has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power over a decade ago, stifling democratic freedoms while allowing corruption and organized crime to flourish, which he has denied.
Hamilton Spectator
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Serbian police detain 79 protesters as dissent persists against populist president
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbian police said they detained 79 university students and other protesters as they broke up street blockades in several cities that are part of persistent dissent against President Aleksandar Vucic's populist government. Officers in riot gear intervened late Wednesday and early Thursday in the capital, Belgrade, the northern city of Novi Sad and the southern cities of Nis and Novi Pazar. Authorities denied reports of police brutality and excessive force against demonstrators. University students behind the protests said police charged and injured many peaceful demonstrators. Witnesses told local media that riot police beat up protesters with batons and shields and that four students were hospitalized, including one with a broken clavicle. Four officers were injured and a police vehicle was damaged, the Interior Ministry said in a statement, noting officers 'acted in accordance with the law' while responding to the unrest Wednesday and early Thursday. Tensions in the Balkan country have soared since a rally Saturday demanding early parliamentary elections. The gathering by tens of thousands of people in Belgrade ended with clashes between riot police and groups of protesters . Vucic has refused to schedule a snap vote despite more than eight months of persistent demonstrations. The protests began in November after a renovated rail station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 16 people and triggering allegations of corruption-fueled negligence in state infrastructure projects. Parliamentary and presidential elections are due in 2027. While rejecting the election demand, Vucic has stepped up government pressure to curb the protests that he describes as 'terror' and attempts to bring down the state. Critics say Vucic has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power over a decade ago, stifling democratic freedoms while allowing corruption and organized crime to flourish, which he has denied. Serbia is formally seeking entry to the European Union , but Vucic's government has nourished relations with Russia and China . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Toronto Star
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Serbian police detain 79 protesters as dissent persists against populist president
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbian police said they detained 79 university students and other protesters as they broke up street blockades in several cities that are part of persistent dissent against President Aleksandar Vucic's populist government. Officers in riot gear intervened late Wednesday and early Thursday in the capital, Belgrade, the northern city of Novi Sad and the southern cities of Nis and Novi Pazar. Authorities denied reports of police brutality and excessive force against demonstrators.
Winnipeg Free Press
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Serbian police detain 79 protesters as dissent persists against populist president
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbian police said they detained 79 university students and other protesters as they broke up street blockades in several cities that are part of persistent dissent against President Aleksandar Vucic's populist government. Officers in riot gear intervened late Wednesday and early Thursday in the capital, Belgrade, the northern city of Novi Sad and the southern cities of Nis and Novi Pazar. Authorities denied reports of police brutality and excessive force against demonstrators. University students behind the protests said police charged and injured many peaceful demonstrators. Witnesses told local media that riot police beat up protesters with batons and shields and that four students were hospitalized, including one with a broken clavicle. Four officers were injured and a police vehicle was damaged, the Interior Ministry said in a statement, noting officers 'acted in accordance with the law' while responding to the unrest Wednesday and early Thursday. Tensions in the Balkan country have soared since a rally Saturday demanding early parliamentary elections. The gathering by tens of thousands of people in Belgrade ended with clashes between riot police and groups of protesters. Vucic has refused to schedule a snap vote despite more than eight months of persistent demonstrations. The protests began in November after a renovated rail station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 16 people and triggering allegations of corruption-fueled negligence in state infrastructure projects. Parliamentary and presidential elections are due in 2027. While rejecting the election demand, Vucic has stepped up government pressure to curb the protests that he describes as 'terror' and attempts to bring down the state. Critics say Vucic has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power over a decade ago, stifling democratic freedoms while allowing corruption and organized crime to flourish, which he has denied. Serbia is formally seeking entry to the European Union, but Vucic's government has nourished relations with Russia and China.
