Tensions escalated in Belgrade on Wednesday, November 27, as clashes broke out between pro- and anti-government protesters. The unrest follows widespread public anger after the tragic collapse of a canopy at a railway station earlier this month, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people.

The opposition organized the protest, which was aimed at criticizing the government over the demolition of a bridge in the Serbian capital and accusing it of corruption. However, the protest turned chaotic when supporters of the ruling party reportedly intervened.

Opposition lawmaker Marinka Tepic accused the ruling party’s supporters of attempting to break through the blockade and suppress the protest. "They started to kick us and break through the blockade with the intention of suppressing us," Tepic told the media as fresh scuffles erupted around her.

Opposition leaders and many in the public have voiced their outrage, blaming the deadly collapse in Novi Sad on government corruption and nepotism, alleging that substandard construction led to the tragedy.

While the ruling coalition denies these claims, President Aleksandar Vučić has stated that those responsible for the incident must be held accountable.

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