Serbian Protesters Clash With Riot Police After 34,300-Strong Belgrade Rally
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · May 23
Serbian Protesters Clash With Riot Police After 34,300-Strong Belgrade Rally
15 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · May 23
Flares, rocks and bottles flew at riot police in central Belgrade after a largely peaceful anti-government rally, and officers used pepper spray and charges to break up smaller groups.
Tens of thousands had gathered earlier at Slavija Square under the student-led “Students win” banner, demanding early elections, rule of law and accountability from President Aleksandar Vucic’s government.
The unrest flared near a camp of Vucic loyalists outside the presidency building, while authorities also canceled all trains to and from Belgrade in an apparent effort to curb turnout.
The protests have persisted since the November 2024 station canopy collapse that killed 16 people, a disaster many Serbians link to graft and negligence during renovation work involving Chinese companies.
Serbia’s crackdown is drawing wider scrutiny as the country seeks EU entry: a Council of Europe rights report this week said conditions have worsened, and the EU has warned democratic backsliding could jeopardize 1.5 billion euros in funding.
With student protesters labeled 'terrorists' and facing sonic weapons, what future does free speech have in Serbia?
With Vucic's family linked to alleged corruption, can a snap election truly solve Serbia's deep-rooted crisis of trust?
As international bodies label Serbia a 'moderate autocracy,' is the country's dream of joining the European Union fading away?
Serbia in Turmoil: Youth-Led Protests, Novi Sad Collapse, and the Fight Against Authoritarianism
Overview
On May 23, 2026, tens of thousands of opponents of President Aleksandar Vucic gathered in Belgrade for massive anti-government demonstrations. While the initial rally was largely peaceful, the situation escalated later in the day as groups of young demonstrators separated from the main crowd and confronted riot police. Protesters threw flares, rocks, and bottles at police cordons, leading to direct clashes. These widespread protests, driven by student-led movements, represent a significant challenge to Vucic's hard-line rule and highlight the growing unrest and demand for change across Serbia.