Thousands of people took part as the opposition in Serbia staged a mass demonstration to protest the results of the December 17 election. Photo: Darko Vojinovic / AP / NTB
Clashes broke out between protesters and police as thousands of people demonstrated in Serbia’s capital Belgrade on Sunday evening.
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Less than 20 minutes ago
The protesters are demanding that the results of the parliamentary and local elections earlier this month be annulled following accusations of widespread electoral fraud and irregularities.
Riot police used tear gas and pepper spray against several hundred protesters to prevent them from entering the city’s town hall. The demonstrators therefore attacked the building’s facade instead. Stones, sticks and eggs were thrown at the building and several windows were broken.
Sunday’s mass demonstration was organized by the opposition in the country, which is demanding new elections.
A protester in Belgrade holds up a placard reading “Fight”. Photo: Darko Vojinovic / AP / NTB
The party of President Aleksandar Vucic, SNS, received the most votes in the election on 17 December. But after protests from the opposition and criticism from foreign election observers who pointed out extensive election fraud, including the buying of votes and the busing of voters to support the ruling party in the local elections, it was decided on Wednesday this week that by-elections will be held in 30 places in the country.
But the opposition demands that by-elections be held throughout the country.
SNS rejects the accusations of electoral fraud.
Vucic himself commented on the demonstration later on Sunday evening. He said that it is an attempt to depose the government and that the attempt is being directed from abroad. Over 35 people were arrested during the demonstration, he also said, adding that further arrests could be expected.
Demonstrators break windows as they try to enter the City Hall in Belgrade. Photo: Darko Vojinovic / AP / NTBPublished:
Published: 25.12.23 at 02:49
2023-12-25 01:49:06
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