Serbian Police Dismantle Belgrade Blockades Amid Protests

Belgrade, June 30 (AP) — Serbian police have dismantled street blockades in Belgrade that were part of protests against recent arrests of anti-government demonstrators. The arrests followed a large rally demanding early parliamentary elections.

Thousands of protesters had placed metal fences and garbage containers at various locations in Belgrade and throughout the country on Sunday evening. This included a key bridge over the Sava River in the capital. Protesters plan to reconvene on Monday.

Police announced that several people have been detained, though they did not specify the number. Social media videos showed police vehicles speeding through blockades in Belgrade, causing panic among those present.

The blockades are part of ongoing dissent against President Aleksandar Vucic's government. Protests began after a canopy collapse at a train station in the north killed 16 people.

Protesters seek justice for victims of the November 1 canopy collapse in Novi Sad, which they attribute to corruption-driven negligence in state infrastructure projects.

On Saturday, tens of thousands gathered in a student-led protest in Belgrade, calling for a snap election to remove Vucic's right-wing government. Post-rally clashes with police resulted in dozens of detentions.

Vucic has not agreed to an early election, maintaining it for 2027. University students and professors have sustained nearly eight months of protests, which Vucic has labeled as acts of “terror” aimed at destabilizing Serbia.

Recent clashes injured nearly 50 officers and 22 protesters. Riot police countered with batons and pepper spray as demonstrators threw rocks. Authorities have filed criminal charges against nearly 40 individuals.

At least eight university students are detained for alleged attacks on the constitutional order, with accusations of plotting attacks on state institutions. Protesters demand their release.

Critics accuse Vucic of authoritarianism, stifling democratic freedoms, and permitting corruption and organized crime, claims he denies.

While Serbia seeks EU membership, Vucic's government maintains strong ties with Russia and China. (AP)

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