 "Massive Anti-Government Protests Rock Belgrade as Over 100,000 Demonstrators Rally Against Corruption")
More than 100,000 protesters flooded the streets of Belgrade on Saturday in one of Serbia’s largest rallies in decades, with students and workers facing off against riot police and supporters of President Aleksandar Vucic. Months of anti-government demonstrations erupted following the deaths of 15 people in a railway station roof collapse, fueling accusations of widespread corruption and negligence.
The protests have gained momentum, drawing in students, teachers, and farmers in a direct challenge to Vucic, who has held power for 12 years as either prime minister or president. “We will not allow you to deprive us of our freedoms,” a student declared from the stage. Security sources and witnesses estimated the turnout exceeded 100,000 people.
While the government denies allegations of corruption and incompetence, officials claim that Western intelligence agencies are backing efforts to destabilize Serbia. Though largely peaceful, tensions flared when a car rammed into a column of protesters in a Belgrade suburb, injuring three people. Additionally, a group of men attacked and wounded a student and university lecturer in the city center. Police detained 13 people overnight, including three men after an attack on pro-Vucic farmers’ tractors encircling Pionirski Park, where government supporters have been camping.
Across from the park, hundreds of veterans from elite military brigades in maroon berets and allied bikers stood in solidarity with the students as they marched between the parliament building and Slavija Square. Protesters maintained order with self-organized security teams wearing fluorescent yellow vests. “Today, we show what we are striving for—a normal state, a state of law, free from corruption, lies, media pressure, and persecution,” said Aleksa Cvetanovic, a 23-year-old student attending since December.
The protests retained a festive atmosphere, with demonstrators lighting flares and chanting, “Pump it up.” Many traveled hundreds of miles by foot or bike to join the movement, while Belgrade residents showed support by providing hot food and baked goods.
Students are demanding the release of documents regarding the Novi Sad railway disaster and accountability for those responsible. Prosecutors have charged 13 people over the incident, while the government launched an anti-corruption campaign that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and two ministers. Protesters have also called for a general strike in the coming days, though previous attempts have failed to mobilize widespread participation from public sector workers and businesses.
Source: Swifteradio.com
