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Serbian Police Arrest 79 as Snap Election Protests Persist

International human rights bodies have criticized reports of police brutality after nationwide demonstrations demanding an early parliamentary vote.

Serbian riot police officers guard intersection after remove street blockades that was set up as part of a protest after a massive rally demanding an early parliamentary election in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Riot police detain a man after charging protesters at the end of an anti-government rally pressing for an early election after nearly eight months of almost daily anti-corruption demonstrations that have shaken the populist government of President Aleksandar Vucic, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Law enforcement officers stand guard during road blockades organised by students and anti-government demonstrators demanding snap elections and release of arrested protestors, in Belgrade, Serbia, July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Hamzagic

Overview

  • Police detained 79 university students and other protesters in operations to clear blockades across Belgrade, Novi Sad, Nis and Novi Pazar.
  • Protesters have erected nightly road blockades using bins and fencing to demand a snap parliamentary election and an end to President Vucic’s 12-year rule.
  • Authorities deny excessive force, but witnesses reported baton and shield attacks that hospitalized several students.
  • The European Union delegation and the U.N. human rights office called for restraint, respect for assembly rights and transparent investigations into brutality claims.
  • President Aleksandar Vucic has rejected calls for early elections, denouncing the protests as “terror” and accusing organizers of undermining the state.