Vucic explained that the security forces acted with “strict professionalism” against the protesters who attacked the police using fireworks and other means, emphasizing that a large number of participants will face legal proceedings. The demonstration, organized under the slogan “Serbia, Can You Hear Us?”, gathered more than seven thousand people near the Faculty of Philosophy building, where violent clashes with security forces occurred. The security forces used tear gas to disperse the protesters. Videos showing police vehicles and riot units spread on social media. Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Serbian Parliament, Ana Brnabic, criticized the participation of European deputies in the protest, describing their presence as “hypocritical” and questioning whether they would report the events to Brussels. Serbia has been witnessing a wave of protests since November 2024, following the collapse of a canopy at the train station in Novi Sad, which resulted in the deaths of 16 people. As tensions escalated since last August, protesters intensified their confrontations with security forces by blocking roads and organizing night gatherings. Vucic had earlier affirmed that the authorities are open to dialogue with the protesters but ruled out imposing a state of emergency in the country.
