Police used tear gas against demonstrators in Belgrade, according to reports from RIA News. The aim was to prevent the crowd from reaching the municipal administration building and interrupt the occupation of a key government site.
Earlier, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić spoke to the nation amid ongoing unrest, addressing concerns about protests that organizers abroad were allegedly planning in Belgrade. He warned residents not to fear and asserted that the situation would not escalate into a revolution.
Vučić described his location during the tense moments, saying he observed the crowd from a distance of roughly 80 to 100 meters. He claimed that among the protesters were individuals with criminal backgrounds and estimated the total turnout at about 2,500 people, with around 1,200 entries into the administration building.
The president also noted that citizens from across Serbia had called to offer help in protecting the government, but he stated that such assistance was unnecessary and not required.
On the political front, opposition figures in Serbia announced a hunger strike aimed at pressuring authorities to annul the election results. The events followed days of demonstrations, signaling deep polarization and questions about the methods used to manage public dissent. [RIA News]
As the situation unfolded, observers highlighted the delicate balance between maintaining public safety and allowing peaceful assembly. Officials emphasized the importance of safeguarding municipal property while ensuring that a broad spectrum of voices could be heard. The discourse reflected broader regional tensions and the public’s demand for transparency in the electoral process. [RIA News]
Analysts noted that the rhetoric from top leadership played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of the protests, with officials urging calm and citizens weighing the implications of a sustained confrontation. The sequence of actions—crowd control measures, rapid public statements, and the mobilization of political groups—underscore the fragility of governance during periods of intense civic demonstration. [RIA News]
Ultimately, the episode in Belgrade drew attention to questions about the effectiveness of protest management, the legal boundaries of crowd control, and the broader impact on Serbia’s democratic process. The unfolding story continued to be tracked by regional observers who stressed the need for peaceful dialogue, lawful conduct, and accountable leadership on all sides. [RIA News]