https://www.rt.com/information/614299-serbia-protest-injured-vucic/Dozens injured in Belgrade protests (VIDEOS)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has praised police for dealing with the gang of over 80,000 protesters “responsibly,” guaranteeing order and public security throughout an anti-government rally within the Serbian capital that turned violent, leaving 56 folks injured and 22 arrested.

Authorities estimated that between 88,000 and 107,000 folks participated in Saturday’s rally, described as one of many largest in Serbia’s latest historical past. Vucic accused instigators inside the largely peaceable crowd of making an attempt to stage a “coloration revolution,” alleging international affect aimed toward destabilizing the nation.

Violence erupted when “a number of dozen folks in an intoxicated state” tried to assault law enforcement officials and others outdoors the presidential constructing in Pionirski Park, Vucic stated. Safety forces arrested 22 people for assaulting officers and damaging property.

The Serbian chief stated he was proud that a lot of the protesters remained peaceable and that these liable for the violence had been arrested.

“I noticed that these younger folks didn’t wish to take part within the violence after the primary incidents. They left the gathering once they realized that they not had management,” Vucic stated.

Throughout a televised handle from the Palace of Serbia, Vucic confirmed that 56 folks have been being handled at native hospitals following the clashes. He famous that regardless of “huge and detrimental power, and anger and rage expressed in direction of the authorities,” there have been no fatalities or critical accidents.

The president counseled police for his or her restraint. “I’m particularly happy with our police and safety providers. They ensured security for all contributors,” he wrote on social media, including that regardless of the unrest, legislation enforcement exercised restraint and didn’t use drive.

“We didn’t even elevate a baton,” Vucic acknowledged. He additionally dismissed allegations that sonic crowd management weapons have been used in opposition to protesters, explaining that the machine in query was a standard anti-drone rifle.

The protest follows months of student-led demonstrations in opposition to alleged corruption and authorities negligence in Serbia, sparked by a lethal cover collapse on the Novi Unhappy railway station in November 2024, which killed 15 folks.

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

“We managed to protect peace and stability, and I congratulate our safety forces for his or her critical and accountable strategy,” he stated.

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