Clashes Erupt in Belgrade After Student-Led Antigovernment Rally

Clashes broke out between protesters and riot police in central Belgrade on Saturday after a student-led antigovernment rally. Large crowds carrying banners and wearing shirts with the slogan “Students win” gathered in the Serbian capital. The demonstration renewed demands for early elections, justice, and the rule of law.

The protests began after a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, killing 16 people. Demonstrators have linked the incident to alleged corruption during renovation work involving Chinese companies. Anticorruption protests earlier forced the resignation of then-Prime Minister Milos Vucevic in January 2025.

Serbian authorities later moved to restrict the movement.

Serbia’s state railway company cancelled all trains to and from Belgrade on Saturday. Officials said the measure was intended to limit travel to the capital. ” He added that the state would continue to function in line with the law. Clashes first occurred near a park camp of Vucic supporters outside the presidency building. The camp had been established before a previous rally in March.

Europe human rights commissioner Michael O’Flaherty visited Serbia last week and later criticized the government’s handling of demonstrations. He cited reports of police protecting masked attackers of journalists and protesters. O’Flaherty said the overall human rights situation has deteriorated since his previous visit in April 2025.

Serbia is seeking European Union membership while maintaining ties with Russia and China.