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.
Read next
05:30
U.S. President Donald Trump’s inner circle is advising him against speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Russia commits to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.
04:16
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, is visiting Washington this week for talks with members of the Trump administration, sparking fresh speculation over behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Moscow and Washington.
03:06
A Russian drone strike hit residential buildings in Kharkiv late on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring 32 others, Ukrainian officials said, as nightly attacks on the country's cities continue to mount.
02:18
In Sydney’s Bennelong, where Chinese Australians make up a large share of the electorate, the fight for votes is playing out on unexpected turf: Xiaohongshu.
01:55
Leaders from Central Asia and the European Union will meet in Samarkand on April 4 for the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit, aimed at deepening ties. Talks will focus on trade, investment, green energy, and security — marking a new era of cooperation.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment