Protesters clash with police in Belgrade over election fraud allegations
Police in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, used tear gas to disperse crowds protesting alleged fraud in the general election last week. Demonstrators gathered outside city hall, where some individuals reportedly smashed windows and attempted to force their way in. Opposition activists claim that the government manipulated the election results, which saw the ruling party emerge victorious.
Opposition leader Radomir Lazovic accused police of using excessive force, claiming that he and others were beaten with truncheons. Meanwhile, President Aleksandar Vucic dismissed the allegations of fraud as “rubbish and lies.” The government’s response to the protests resulted in more than 30 individuals being arrested, and eight police officers being injured.
Despite peaceful protests occurring every evening since the election, Sunday’s demonstration was the first to turn violent. Protests were organized by the Serbia Against Violence opposition coalition, with some supporters attempting to break into the city hall. Opposition leaders Srdjan Milivojevic and Vladimir Obradovic were among those who tried to enter the building, ultimately being repelled by police.
The allegations of electoral misconduct have drawn international attention, with Germany labeling the situation as “unacceptable” for a country aspiring to join the EU. The electoral commission has announced that the election will be re-run in some 30 polling stations, out of 8,000 nationwide.
The tensions in Belgrade show no signs of abating, as the opposition continues to challenge the election results through the protests, hunger strikes, and persistent demands for a re-run of the election.