Clashes erupted in Belgrade as a student-led movement returned to the capital to demand an end to President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule. Tens of thousands joined the rally, many wearing “Students win” T‑shirts or carrying flags and local banners. While the main demonstration remained largely peaceful, smaller groups later split off and confronted police, throwing flares, rocks and bottles. Riot police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse those groups.
Protesters renewed calls for early parliamentary elections, accused the government of corruption and criminality, and demanded a restoration of the rule of law. Organizers said train services into and out of Belgrade were suspended after a bomb scare, and accused the state rail operator of trying to prevent people from other parts of Serbia from joining the protest.
The student movement began after a deadly collapse at Novi Sad’s railway station in November 2024, when a 48‑metre concrete canopy gave way shortly after renovation work. Sixteen people died in the disaster, which was blamed on poor workmanship and inadequate oversight during a large Chinese‑funded infrastructure project. The tragedy triggered public outrage and mass demonstrations; then‑prime minister Milos Vucevic resigned in the aftermath. Some rallies later turned violent and the government launched a crackdown on protesters.
Belgrade’s Slavija Square has been a focal point of the movement: a major anti‑government protest there in March 2025 drew an estimated 300,000 people and ended amid controversy. At that event, the government denied using a sonic device against demonstrators, a claim later supported by independent experts.
Supporters of Vucic have staged their own gatherings, including a camp outside the presidential building that he set up last March as a purported “human shield” against protesters. Pro‑government media and officials have increased their rhetoric, labeling critics as terrorists or foreign agents. Serbia is formally seeking EU membership while maintaining close ties with Russia and China.
International bodies have expressed concern about democratic backsliding and rights abuses in Serbia. The EU’s top enlargement official warned that erosion of democratic standards could cost the country roughly €1.5 billion in funding. The Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner has raised alarms about attacks on journalists and activists, shrinking civic space, and reports of police violence at demonstrations.
The protests underline continuing domestic anger over corruption and safety failures and a political stalemate over the country’s future direction, as both opposition activists and the presidency position themselves ahead of any potential early elections.