Police Fire Teargas at Belgrade Anti-Government Protest
Tens of thousands rallied in Belgrade, Serbia against President Aleksandar Vucic. Police put the crowd at 34,300.
But independent monitors estimated around 100,000. The main rally passed largely without trouble.
Then clashes broke out near the presidency building. Police fired teargas, pepper spray and stun grenades at protesters.
Serbia's state rail operator canceled trains to and from Belgrade during the protest. Students led the protest.
They demanded early elections and an end to Vucic's rule. The unrest stems from a 2024 train station collapse in Novi Sad, Serbia that killed 16 people. Vucic was visiting China when the clashes occurred.
Klear Note — Serbia's government has faced anger since a 2024 train station collapse killed 16 people. Large protests like this happen regularly in Belgrade against Vucic's leadership.
Key Terms 3
- Aleksandar Vucic President of Serbia who protesters want removed from power
- stun grenades Devices that make a loud bang and flash to disorient people
- Novi Sad Serbia's second largest city where a station roof collapsed in 2024