Protesters demand release of detained demonstrators in Serbia

In Serbia, thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets on June 30, 2025, as tensions escalated following a series of arrests of demonstrators during recent protests. The unrest began after the collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad in November 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and sparked widespread allegations of corruption within the government. Protesters, particularly students, have been leading demonstrations for nearly eight months, demanding early elections and justice for the victims of the tragic incident. The protests intensified as numerous protesters blocked critical roads and intersections across major cities, including Belgrade. Law enforcement reacted by removing barricades, resulting in new arrests and a further sense of unrest among the citizenry. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has faced increasing criticism over his administration's handling of the protests, with many viewing his government as increasingly authoritarian and dismissive of democratic processes. Protesters have been vocal in their demands for the release of those detained, claiming that recent arrests targeted peaceful demonstrators and did not address the deeper issues of governance and corruption that instigated the protests in the first place. As tensions continue to simmer in Serbia, public outrage towards the government remains palpable, with calls for accountability and systemic change resonating strongly among the populace.