A major anti-government protest in the Serbian capital descended into violence on Sunday, as thousands took to the streets of Belgrade demanding the resignation of President Aleksandar Vučić. What began as a large-scale demonstration quickly escalated into clashes between protesters and police forces, with authorities responding to stone-throwing crowds using tear gas and making dozens of arrests.
Law enforcement officers detain protesters during an anti-government protest by Serbian students and other demonstrators, demanding snap elections, in Belgrade, Serbia, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Zorana Jevtic TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
The rally, part of a broader wave of unrest that has gripped Serbia in recent months, was the latest in a string of demonstrations sparked by deepening public discontent. Anger has been mounting since December 2024, when a tragic railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad claimed the lives of 16 people. Many citizens blame the incident on systemic corruption and government negligence.
Among the most vocal groups leading the protests are student organizations, which had issued an ultimatum to President Vučić, demanding the dissolution of parliament and the removal of pro-government encampments outside the presidential building—set up since April 12. The deadline expired at 9 p.m. Sunday, triggering a massive outpouring of more than 140,000 demonstrators into the streets.
Demonstrators block the road during an anti-government protest demanding snap elections, in Belgrade, Serbia, June 29, 2025. REUTERS/Marko Djurica
As tensions boiled over, protesters hurled stones and wooden objects at riot police, who responded with force. The government’s law enforcement forces carried out numerous arrests in an attempt to restore order.
President Vučić responded shortly after the events by releasing a video message thanking police for what he called their “patriotism” in managing the unrest. “Serbia has prevailed. Serbia cannot be defeated by violence, as some had hoped,” he stated.
Law enforcement officers detain a demonstrator, during an anti-government protest demanding snap elections, in Belgrade, Serbia, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Marko Djurica TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
He later followed up with a symbolic social media post featuring the Serbian flag and a caption declaring, “In the end, Serbia always wins.”
Vučić has accused the protest movement of being manipulated by foreign interests and described demonstrators as “terrorists” who have taken the law into their own hands.
The situation remains tense in Belgrade as critics of the government continue to demand accountability and democratic reforms, while the administration maintains a firm stance against what it portrays as unlawful dissent.
