Dozens of anti-government protesters were arrested and demanded an early parliamentary election amid a clash with riot police in the Serbian capital during a massive rally with populist President Alexander Vicz.
After nearly eight months of sustained opposition led by Serbian university students, protests were held by tens of thousands of protesters.
“I want an election!” A huge crowd filled the capital’s central Surabia Square and several blocks around it on Saturday, with many people not able to reach the venue.
Serbian Home Minister Ivika Dasic said some protesters had attacked the police. He said police will use their authority to restore public order and “arrest all those who attacked the police.”
Some protesters wore scarves and masks over their faces when they clashed with law enforcement. Police used pepper spray before pushing protesters with their shields.
Vucic and his right-wing Serbian progressive party repeatedly rejected requests for early voting, denounced protesters’ plans to incite violence against orders from overseas.
Although numbers have shrunk in recent weeks, large anti-Vock Rally voter turnout on Saturday suggested that the resolution would continue after nearly eight months of protest despite unforgiving pressure.
Serb police said 36,000 people were present at the start of the protest on Saturday. An independent oversight group that records public gatherings said about 140,000 people attended the student-led gathering.
Serbia’s presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for 2027.
