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San Francisco Chronicle
04-07-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Europe's human rights watchdog concerned over use of force against Serbia anti-corruption protesters
Serbian riot police officers guard intersection after remove street blockades that was set up as part of a protest after a massive rally demanding an early parliamentary election in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, July 4, 2025. Darko Vojinovic/AP Serbian riot police officers guard intersection after remove street blockades that was set up as part of a protest after a massive rally demanding an early parliamentary election in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, July 4, 2025. Darko Vojinovic/AP Serbian riot police officers guard intersection after remove street blockades that was set up as part of a protest after a massive rally demanding an early parliamentary election in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, July 4, 2025. Darko Vojinovic/AP BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Europe's human rights watchdog Friday expressed concern that Serbian authorities were using excessive force and arbitrary detentions to break up street protests against the populist government of President Aleksandar Vucic. Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe's commissioner for human rights, said in a statement that 'freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are key human rights enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights and it is Serbia's duty to guarantee them." 'I am concerned about the current human rights situation in Serbia, where, despite the assurances I received from the authorities during my visit in April, excessive use of force is being applied to curb demonstrations,' O'Flaherty said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Serbian riot police have detained scores of demonstrators since a massive rally last weekend, including university students, their professors and others who have been blocking traffic throughout the country demanding an early parliamentary election. Tensions have soared since the rally Saturday by tens of thousands of people in Belgrade which ended with clashes between riot police and groups of protesters. Monthslong demonstrations previously had been largely calm. Police also intervened Friday to clear traffic blockades in Belgrade, briefly detaining a number of protesters. University students behind the protests have said police have injured many peaceful demonstrators in the past days. Witnesses told local media that riot police beat up protesters with batons and shields and that four students were hospitalized early Thursday, including one with a broken clavicle. Police have denied the use of excessive force, warning that traffic blockades are illegal. Vucic has described ongoing protests as 'terror' and an attempt to bring down the state. Advertisement Article continues below this ad O'Flaherty's statement said 'increased levels of the use of force by the police as well as arbitrary arrests and detention have occurred during the week.' 'I am particularly concerned about the arrest of children, as well as the number of students being charged for criminal offenses or hospitalized for the treatment of injuries,' O'Flaherty said in a statement. He added that 'mischaracterization of this largely peaceful student-led movement should be avoided at all costs.' Both the EU mission in Serbia and the United Nations Human Rights Office said Thursday they were watching the situation closely and urged restraint. Persistent protests that have rattled Vucic first started in November after a renovated train station canopy collapsed in Serbia's north killing 16 people. Many in Serbia blame the tragedy on alleged corruption-fueled negligence in state infrastructure projects. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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.
Irish Examiner
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Serbian police remove barricades and make new arrests as protesters block roads
Serbian police removed street barricades in the capital Belgrade that are part of persistent dissent against the government of populist President Aleksandar Vucic. Demonstrators are demanding the release of dozens of university students and others arrested after a massive weekend rally, accused of attacking the police or plotting to overthrow the government. Police dismantled metal fences and moved garbage containers blocking traffic in Belgrade's Zemun district on Monday, while several dozen protesters raised their hands in the air and chanted anti-government slogans. Serbian gendarmerie officers prepare to remove a street blockade that was set up as part of a protest in Belgrade, Serbia (Darko Vojinovic/AP) Police also intervened separately in a city centre area. Protesters later changed tactics and continuously walked over a pedestrian crossing, thus blocking traffic again. The protests and blockades began after a train station canopy collapsed in November, killing 16 people. Many in Serbia blamed the tragedy on corruption-fuelled negligence in state infrastructure projects. Thousands of demonstrators halted traffic at various locations in Belgrade and elsewhere throughout the country on Sunday evening, including a key bridge over the Sava River in the capital. Police removed those blockades early on Monday. Police said in a statement that a number of people were detained but did not specify how many. Video posted on social media showed police vehicles driving at high speed through a blockade in one Belgrade street and people fleeing in panic. Serbian gendarmerie officers stand in front of anti-government protesters in Belgrade, Serbia (Darko Vojinovic/AP) Mr Vucic praised police action in a statement during a visit to Spain, saying: 'Citizens should not worry, the state is strong enough to secure law and order.' On Saturday, tens of thousands of people demanded a snap parliamentary election at a student-led rally they hope will oust Mr Vucic's right-wing government. Groups of protesters clashed with police after the official part of the rally ended. Dozens were later detained. Mr Vucic has refused to call the election, which is scheduled to be held in 2027. University students and professors are a key force behind nearly eight months of almost daily protests and Mr Vucic has accused them of 'terror' and attempts to destroy the country. Riot police used batons, pepper spray and shields to charge at demonstrators who threw rocks and other objects at police cordons. Nearly 40 people face criminal charges over the clashes, police said. People react as Serbian gendarmerie officers remove a street blockade that was set up as part of a protest in Belgrade (Darko Vojinovic/AP) Authorities detained at least eight university students for alleged acts against the constitutional order and national security, accusing them of planning attacks on state institutions. Critics say Mr Vucic has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power over a decade ago, stifling democratic freedoms while allowing corruption and organised crime to flourish, which he has denied. Serbia is formally seeking entry to the European Union, but Mr Vucic's government has nourished relations with Russia and China.
Western Telegraph
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Serbian police remove barricades and make new arrests as protesters block roads
Demonstrators are demanding the release of dozens of university students and others arrested after a massive weekend rally, accused of attacking the police or plotting to overthrow the government. Police dismantled metal fences and moved garbage containers blocking traffic in Belgrade's Zemun district on Monday, while several dozen protesters raised their hands in the air and chanted anti-government slogans. Serbian gendarmerie officers prepare to remove a street blockade that was set up as part of a protest in Belgrade, Serbia (Darko Vojinovic/AP) Police also intervened separately in a city centre area. Protesters later changed tactics and continuously walked over a pedestrian crossing, thus blocking traffic again. The protests and blockades began after a train station canopy collapsed in November, killing 16 people. Many in Serbia blamed the tragedy on corruption-fuelled negligence in state infrastructure projects. Thousands of demonstrators halted traffic at various locations in Belgrade and elsewhere throughout the country on Sunday evening, including a key bridge over the Sava River in the capital. Police removed those blockades early on Monday. Police said in a statement that a number of people were detained but did not specify how many. Video posted on social media showed police vehicles driving at high speed through a blockade in one Belgrade street and people fleeing in panic. Serbian gendarmerie officers stand in front of anti-government protesters in Belgrade, Serbia (Darko Vojinovic/AP) Mr Vucic praised police action in a statement during a visit to Spain, saying: 'Citizens should not worry, the state is strong enough to secure law and order.' On Saturday, tens of thousands of people demanded a snap parliamentary election at a student-led rally they hope will oust Mr Vucic's right-wing government. Groups of protesters clashed with police after the official part of the rally ended. Dozens were later detained. Mr Vucic has refused to call the election, which is scheduled to be held in 2027. University students and professors are a key force behind nearly eight months of almost daily protests and Mr Vucic has accused them of 'terror' and attempts to destroy the country. Riot police used batons, pepper spray and shields to charge at demonstrators who threw rocks and other objects at police cordons. Nearly 40 people face criminal charges over the clashes, police said. People react as Serbian gendarmerie officers remove a street blockade that was set up as part of a protest in Belgrade (Darko Vojinovic/AP) Authorities detained at least eight university students for alleged acts against the constitutional order and national security, accusing them of planning attacks on state institutions. Critics say Mr Vucic has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power over a decade ago, stifling democratic freedoms while allowing corruption and organised crime to flourish, which he has denied. Serbia is formally seeking entry to the European Union, but Mr Vucic's government has nourished relations with Russia and China.
Japan Today
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Japan Today
Thousands rally in Serbia's capital demanding snap elections after months of protests
University students and people march during a protest, seven months after the deadly train station tragedy that sparked mass demonstrations against corruption in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Thousands of people rallied on Friday in Serbia's capital demanding early elections following seven months of persistent anti-corruption protests that have shaken the populist rule of President Aleksandar Vucic. The protest in Belgrade was organized by Serbia's university students, who have been a key force behind the nationwide demonstrations triggered by a collapse on Nov. 1 of a concrete train station canopy in the country's north that killed 16 people. Many people in Serbia believe that the deadly crash was the result of flawed renovation work on the station building, and they link the disaster to alleged government corruption in major infrastructure projects with Chinese state companies. Protesting university students have been demanding accountability for the crash and the rule of law in Serbia, a Balkan nation that is formally seeking European Union entry but where the ruling populists have been accused of clamping down on democratic freedoms. After months-long protests drawing hundreds of thousands of people, the student movement is now seeking a snap vote, arguing that the current government cannot meet their demands for justice for the crash victims. Presidential and parliamentary elections are otherwise due some time in 2027. Vucic, whom critics accuse of an increasingly authoritarian rule despite the proclaimed EU bid, initially dismissed early elections but on Friday suggested they may be held, though without saying exactly when. No one has been sentenced in connection with the tragedy in the northern city of Novi Sad. Authorities have indicted over a dozen people but doubts prevail that the proceedings will uncover the alleged corruption behind the crash. A huge, noisy column of protesters in Belgrade marched by the state prosecutor's offices before reaching the government building. They carried a big banner urging elections. Maja Rancic said she was hopeful the protests can bring about changes: 'I really hope and wish, and I think it will happen.' Vucic's government has stepped up pressure on the protesting students and Serbia's universities, claiming without proof that they were instructed by foreign powers to stage a revolution in the country. Students are planning more protests all over the country this weekend. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chelsea's second-half surge secures Conference League final over Real Betis
Betis' players react after loosing the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, second right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Betis' Romain Perraud, left, jumps for the ball with Chelsea's Pedro Neto during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Chelsea players celebrate after winning the Europa League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, left, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca smiles after winning the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Betis' Cedric Bakambu jumps for the ball challenged by Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Betis' head coach Manuel Pellegrini talks to Antony during the Europa League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez scores his side's opening goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Chelsea fans arrive for the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Chelsea's players celebrates after winning the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, left, scores his side's second goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile, right and Betis' Antony fight for the ball during the Europa League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Real Betis players celebrate after Betis' Abde Ezzalzouli, centre, scored his side's opening goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Betis' Abde Ezzalzouli celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Betis' head coach Manuel Pellegrini during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Betis' Isco, center, Betis' Abde Ezzalzouli, right, and Chelsea's Cole Palmer challenge for the ball during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, right, argues to referee Irfan Peljto during the the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Chelsea players celebrate with a trophy after the Europa League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Chelsea's Jadon Sancho, left, celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Chelsea players celebrate with the trophy after the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Chelsea's Moises Caicedo scores his side's fourth goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy after the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson clears the ball in front of Betis' Marc Bertra during the Europa League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Chelsea's players celebrates after winning the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson celebrates after scoring during the Europa League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson celebrates after scoring during the Europa League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Betis' players react after loosing the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, second right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Betis' Romain Perraud, left, jumps for the ball with Chelsea's Pedro Neto during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Chelsea players celebrate after winning the Europa League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, left, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca smiles after winning the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Betis' Cedric Bakambu jumps for the ball challenged by Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Betis' head coach Manuel Pellegrini talks to Antony during the Europa League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez scores his side's opening goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Chelsea fans arrive for the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Chelsea's players celebrates after winning the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, left, scores his side's second goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile, right and Betis' Antony fight for the ball during the Europa League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Real Betis players celebrate after Betis' Abde Ezzalzouli, centre, scored his side's opening goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Betis' Abde Ezzalzouli celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Betis' head coach Manuel Pellegrini during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Betis' Isco, center, Betis' Abde Ezzalzouli, right, and Chelsea's Cole Palmer challenge for the ball during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, right, argues to referee Irfan Peljto during the the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Chelsea players celebrate with a trophy after the Europa League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Chelsea's Jadon Sancho, left, celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Chelsea players celebrate with the trophy after the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Chelsea's Moises Caicedo scores his side's fourth goal during the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy after the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos) Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson clears the ball in front of Betis' Marc Bertra during the Europa League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Chelsea's players celebrates after winning the Europa Conference League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson celebrates after scoring during the Europa League final soccer match between Real Betis and Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) WROCLAW, Poland (AP) — Chelsea put four past Real Betis to win the Conference League final in Wroclaw, Poland. Betis got off to an early lead with a goal from Abde Ezzalzouli, but Chelsea proved too much to handle, notching four second-half goals, from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. ___ AP soccer:
