The European Union has issued a strong condemnation of what it termed “acts of hatred and violence” in Serbia, following days of widespread protests and police crackdowns across the country. The demonstrations, sparked by alleged police brutality and deepening public frustration with the government, have seen thousands of citizens, especially students, take to the streets in Belgrade and other cities.
Saturday’s anti-government rally in Belgrade drew an estimated 140,000 participants, making it one of the largest public gatherings in recent Serbian history. Tensions escalated after the rally, with riot police deploying tear gas and batons to disperse crowds, some of whom threw bottles and flares. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić vowed to arrest those involved in the violence, and nearly 80 people were detained during Wednesday night’s police operation to clear road blockades.
The EU delegation in Serbia took to social media platform X to voice its concern. “We strongly condemn all acts of hate and violence. The rights of peaceful demonstration, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are to be upheld,” the statement read. It also urged Serbian authorities to ensure police actions are “proportionate” and respect fundamental human rights. The EU has called for a “swift, transparent, and credible” investigation into the brutality allegations.
Videos circulating on social media have shown clashes between police and students near university buildings, prompting outrage from rights groups and citizens alike. The protest movement, though led by students, has garnered widespread support. A poll conducted in April by a group backing the demonstrators indicated that 59% of Serbians support the movement—though the government disputes these figures.
The protest wave follows a tragic train station roof collapse in Novi Sad last November, which killed 16 people and intensified scrutiny on government corruption. Protesters are now demanding early parliamentary elections, but Vučić has rejected these calls, instead labeling demonstrators as foreign-funded agitators.
Notably, tennis star Novak Djokovic expressed solidarity with the protesters during his Wimbledon victory celebration by mimicking the “Pumpaj” gesture symbolic of growing pressure on the government.
With police crackdowns intensifying and protest momentum rising, Serbia faces one of its most serious political crises in over a decade.
