Overview

• The protests have escalated into nightly clashes in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Valjevo and other cities, including fires at ruling-party offices.
• Police have used armored vehicles and tear gas, with official reports citing dozens of arrests and multiple officer injuries.
• President Vučić has rejected demands for snap elections, labeled protesters “terrorists” and pledged “severe” measures to quell unrest.
• Council of Europe Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty condemned the disproportionate use of force and urged authorities to avoid arbitrary detentions.
• The student-rooted movement began after a November 2024 canopy collapse in Novi Sad and has broadened into a national challenge over corruption and democratic backsliding.