Dozens injured in Belgrade protests (VIDEOS)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has praised police for handling the crowd of over 80,000 protesters “responsibly,” ensuring order and public safety during an anti-government rally in the Serbian capital that turned violent, leaving 56 people injured and 22 arrested.

Authorities estimated that between 88,000 and 107,000 people participated in Saturday’s rally, described as one of the largest in Serbia’s recent history. Vucic accused instigators within the largely peaceful crowd of attempting to stage a “color revolution,” alleging foreign influence aimed at destabilizing the country.

Violence erupted when “several dozen people in an intoxicated state” attempted to attack police officers and others outside the presidential building in Pionirski Park, Vucic said. Security forces arrested 22 individuals for assaulting officers and damaging property.

The Serbian leader said he was proud that most of the protesters remained peaceful and that those responsible for the violence had been arrested.

“I realized that these young people did not want to participate in the violence after the first incidents. They left the gathering when they realized that they no longer had control,” Vucic said.

During a televised address from the Palace of Serbia, Vucic confirmed that 56 people were being treated at local hospitals following the clashes. He noted that despite “enormous and negative energy, and anger and rage expressed towards the authorities,” there were no fatalities or serious injuries.

The president commended police for their restraint. “I am especially proud of our police and security services. They ensured safety for all participants,” he wrote on social media, adding that despite the unrest, law enforcement exercised restraint and did not use force.

“We did not even raise a baton,” Vucic stated. He also dismissed allegations that sonic crowd control weapons were used against protesters, explaining that the device in question was a common anti-drone rifle.

The protest follows months of student-led demonstrations against alleged corruption and government negligence in Serbia, sparked by a deadly canopy collapse at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, which killed 15 people.

Vucic has insisted that the protests are politically motivated, claiming they are intended to undermine Serbia’s stability.

“We managed to preserve peace and stability, and I congratulate our security forces for their serious and responsible approach,” he said.