Serbian riot police fired tear gas and clashed with anti-government protesters in central Belgrade late on June 28, following a largely peaceful day of demonstrations demanding snap elections.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators, led by university students, filled the streets of the capital earlier in the day in what has become the culmination of nearly eight months of persistent protests. The unrest was sparked by a fatal infrastructure collapse at Novi Sad railway station in November, and has since evolved into a broader movement challenging Vucic’s 12-year grip on power.

Tensions flared after 10 p.m. local time as riot police attempted to disperse crowds heading towards government buildings, where Vucic’s supporters had gathered earlier in the day. Clashes erupted when protesters got closer to the Presidency building, prompting a forceful response from security forces.

Student organisers, who had coordinated the day’s rally, said they lost control of the situation as authorities deployed tear gas and pepper spray. Members of the Gendarmerie issued warnings via megaphones, instructing protesters to disperse or face intervention.

According to independent broadcaster N1, journalists were injured during the scuffles. Video reports showed firecrackers, flares and cannon blasts being used as protesters attempted to breach police cordons. The confrontation was a rare escalation following months of largely non-violent demonstrations.

The unrest came amid growing pressure on the government, which has intensified its rhetoric and security measures in recent days. Authorities announced the arrests of several individuals allegedly plotting a violent uprising. State-controlled media aired footage of seized weapons, with Vucic’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) claiming evidence of a foreign-backed “colour revolution.”

Despite the evening’s violence, the protest began in a markedly different tone. Demonstrators marched peacefully through Belgrade, calling for democratic reforms and an end to corruption. Vucic has faced increasing criticism over authoritarian tendencies, control of the media and cronyism. While he remains popular in some quarters, Saturday’s events suggest a determined opposition unwilling to be silenced.

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Serbian police have clashed with a huge crowd of anti-government protesters demanding an early election and end to President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule in the capital Belgrade, BBC reported.

A sea of around 140,000 protesters rallied in the city, the largest turnout in recent months, as student-led demonstrations mount pressure on the populist government. “We want elections!” the crowd chanted.

Dozens have been arrested, with riot police seen firing tear gas and stun grenades.

President Vucic accused protesters calling for an election of being part of a foreign plot trying to usurp his country. “They wanted to topple Serbia, and they have failed,” he wrote on his Instagram page, according to BBC.