Riots break out during student protests in Serbia, dozens detained

In Belgrade, on the evening of June 28, student protests took place, after which riots began. The police detained several dozen people.

According to police chief Dragan Vasiljevic, six police officers and two civilians were injured. "Dozens of people" were detained, Vasiljevic added, without specifying the number.

There were two protests in Belgrade. One of them was organized by students demanding early elections. They gathered at Slavija Square in the center of Belgrade and tried to march towards Pioneer Park, where their opponents, students protesting against the blockades of universities, were camping.

Clashes with the police began in the area of ​​Kneza Miloša Street. According to Dragan Vasiljević, the police had to intervene because the demonstrators did not obey orders. He claims that the protesters did not allow the ambulance to pass, which was called for an injured police officer. The N1 publication notes that footage from the protest shows an ambulance driving through the crowd.

According to N1, the police used tear gas to disperse the protesters. The police chief said that the protesters were pushed back with batons, and no chemicals were used.

Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut condemned the violence and attacks on police on the streets of Belgrade and called on all involved to reduce tensions and behave responsibly. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that "in the end, Serbia wins." He is expected to address citizens at 11:00 a.m. on June 29.

The protest, which took place in the center of Belgrade on Slavija Square, was organized by students who have been blocking universities across the country since November 2024, demanding early elections for the President of Serbia. Nearby, in Pioneer Park, a second demonstration was taking place at the same time - it gathered students who are against the blockade of universities.