Protests broke out in Novi Sad, ending with the intervention of law enforcement officers

Protests broke out in the Serbian city of Novi Sad on Friday, ending with the intervention of law enforcement.

Police used tear gas and flash grenades against thousands of protesters, mostly students, who were demanding early elections, justice, and independence for universities. The protesters chanted slogans such as “We want elections” and “Vučić, go away.”

Police arrested several people, including journalists. In his response, President Aleksandar Vučić called the protesters “cowards and scum” and rejected the demand for early elections.

Vučić also accused foreign security services of inciting the protests.

The president described the police's actions as professional, but the protests are causing concern among the international community about media freedom, police brutality, and political reprisals.

The protests have been spreading across the country for several months, with the incidents in Novi Sad among the largest since they began.

(apnews, sie)