Serbia ruling party offices torched amid fifth night of protests
Opposition rallies enter their fifth night nationwide as anger over train station collapse and calls for early elections escalate; pro-Moscow President Vučić backed by Russia.
Anti-government protests entered their fifth consecutive night across Serbia after masked demonstrators set fire to an empty office of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in Valjevo. Riot police deployed stun grenades and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Similar clashes were reported in Belgrade and Novi Sad, although the interior ministry denied accusations of police brutality. The unrest began in November following the deadly collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad, which sparked nationwide outrage over corruption and calls for early elections.
Pro-government supporters also staged counter-demonstrations on Wednesday, and on Saturday riot officers were again deployed in multiple cities. Protesters have targeted SNS buildings and party flags, even damaging the coalition partner Serbian Radical Party's headquarters.
Various reports, including unverified videos, allege police used disproportionate force, prompting Council of Europe human rights commissioner Michael O'Flaherty to urge Serbian authorities to de-escalate and end arbitrary arrests.
President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the violence as a sign of "total weakness" and vowed to punish perpetrators. He dismisses demands for early elections as a foreign plot to destabilize Serbia.
Russia’s foreign ministry expressed support for Vučić, calling Serbia a "brotherly" nation and backing lawful police actions to protect public order.
The protests, which at their height drew hundreds of thousands, continue to challenge Vučić’s 12-year rule over Serbia.
Widespread protests over corruption and a deadly building collapse have entered their fifth night, with demonstrators targeting ruling party offices amid accusations of police brutality and foreign interference.
This report was filed by BBC News.
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