Serbia’s populist leader has vowed a tough response after widespread riots and protests erupted across the country.


Serbia Tensions: President Vucic Promises Strong Action After Riots 

Protesters Continue to Clash With Riot Police in Serbia, Vucic Vows a Crackdown

Anti-government protests erupted in Serbia as demonstrators clashed with police over political and economic grievances. 

Serbia anti-govt protests: Tensions soar | Police fire tear gas shells 

Violence erupted for the fourth consecutive night in Belgrade, Serbia, as clashes intensified between protesters and security forces.


Serbia Clashes: Violence Erupts For Fourth Night In A Row In Belgrade | WION

For the second day in a row, Serbian anti-government demonstrators clashed with supporters on Wednesday, marking a sharp escalation in the more than nine-month campaign against President Aleksandar Vucic’s rule.


Serbia Protest: Second Day of Clashes in Escalating Anti-Government Protests 

The Serbian government is facing increased public scrutiny over reports that it used a sonic weapon against a peaceful crowd during a massive anti-corruption rally in the capital, Belgrade, on March 15. Watch this report for more details!

Serbia: Government denies using 'sonic weapon' against peaceful protests

Serbian officials deny illegal sonic weapon attack on peaceful protesters

Serbia: Govt faces allegations of using sonic weapon to break up stir

Thousands of protesters, mostly students, gathered in Serbia's capital on Friday ahead of a planned weekend of large-scale anti-government demonstrations, with many traveling hundreds of miles on foot or by bike. President Aleksandar Vucic stated he had urged the police to exercise restraint but to arrest anyone causing trouble. "The state... will do everything to maintain peace. Those who threaten peace will be detained," he said during a news conference. The protests are expected to be the largest in decades. The nearly daily student protests, which began in December, were sparked by the deaths of 15 people when a roof collapsed at a railway station in Novi Sad on November 1, a tragedy that opponents attribute to corruption under Vucic's leadership. Watch in for more details!

Serbian protests: Demonstrators accuse President Vucic's government of corruption

Thousands of protesters, mostly students, gathered in Serbia's capital on Friday ahead of a planned weekend of large-scale anti-government demonstrations, with many traveling hundreds of miles on foot or by bike. President Aleksandar Vucic stated he had urged the police to exercise restraint but to arrest anyone causing trouble. "The state... will do everything to maintain peace. Those who threaten peace will be detained," he said during a news conference. The protests are expected to be the largest in decades. The nearly daily student protests, which began in December, were sparked by the deaths of 15 people when a roof collapsed at a railway station in Novi Sad on November 1, a tragedy that opponents attribute to corruption under Vucic's leadership.

Serbians protest over death of 15 at a railway station last year

Belgrade is witnessing fresh anti-government protests as thousands take to the streets against corruption. Angry student protesters have toppled a tractor, waving flags and lighting fireworks in defiance. President Aleksandar Vučić has declared the demonstrations illegal as tensions rise.

Massive anti-govt protests erupt in Belgrade amid corruption anger

At least three lawmakers were injured, one of them seriously, after Serbia's parliamentary session turned violent in a display of opposition to government policies and support for protesting students.

Chaos in Serbian parliament: Opposition MPs hurl smoke grenades, set off flares

Students walk on the road towards the northern city of Novi Sad to protest the deaths of 15 people killed in the November collapse of a train station canopy. Watch this report for more details!

Serbia's anti-corruption protest gains momentum

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned on Tuesday (Jan 28), following months of mass demonstrations over the fatal collapse of a train station roof in November.
The Balkan country has been rocked by regular protests in the wake of the deadly disaster at the train station in the northern city of Novi Sad that killed 15 people, following extensive renovations at the facility.
The collapse has ignited long-standing anger across Serbia over corruption and the alleged lack of oversight on construction projects. "My irrevocable decision is to resign from the position of prime minister," Vucevic, who was mayor of Novi Sad when the renovations began, told a press conference in Belgrade.
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"I had a long meeting with the president of Serbia this morning... we talked about everything, and he accepted my arguments," he added.
"So in order to avoid further complicating things, so we do not further raise tensions in society, I made this decision." Before taking up an earlier government post in Belgrade, Vucevic had served as mayor of Novi Sad from 2012 to 2022, when renovations began at the train station.
The prime minister has been in office for less than a year.
More than a dozen people have been charged in connection with the Novi Sad accident, including former transport minister Goran Vesic, who resigned days after it occurred.
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The prime minister's announcement came as thousands of protesters ended a 24-hour blockade at a major traffic intersection in Belgrade&mdash;the latest in a series of massive rallies held across the country. Protesters on Tuesday morning packed up and cleared the area at the Autokomanda junction, which links several major roads and motorways in the Serbian capital, after many camped out overnight.
The blockade came after student organisers called for a general strike last Friday that saw lawyers stop work and the closure of small businesses and schools across Serbia.
Students have emerged as the leaders of the protest movement and have been blockading campuses across the country for months.
With pressure mounting, President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the nation Monday evening, defending his government's response to the Novi Sad tragedy and vowing to open a dialogue with the protesters.
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Student organisers continue to demand more action, including greater transparency into the investigation and the release of all documents linked to the renovation of the station.
The government has released some documents on the roof collapse, but experts from the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Belgrade say they are incomplete.
Other key demands include dropping charges against protesters arrested at rallies, an end to attacks on demonstrators, and increased government spending on education.
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As premier, Vucevic was officially the head of government in Serbia, however, the position is largely considered to be subordinate to President Vucic, who has ruled the country for more than a decade.
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World | The collapse has ignited long-standing anger across Serbia over corruption and the alleged lack of oversight on construction projects.

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned on Tuesday (Jan 28), following months of mass demonstrations over the fatal collapse of a train station roof in November. The Balkan country has been rocked by regular protests in the wake of the deadly disaster at the train station in the northern city of Novi Sad that killed 15 people, following extensive renovations at the facility. The collapse has ignited long-standing anger across Serbia over corruption and the alleged lack of oversight on construction projects. "My irrevocable decision is to resign from the position of prime minister," Vucevic, who was mayor of Novi Sad when the renovations began, told a press conference in Belgrade. Also read: Who is Ruby Dhalla, Indian-origin politician running for Canada elections? "I had a long meeting with the president of Serbia this morning... we talked about everything, and he accepted my arguments," he added. "So in order to avoid further complicating things, so we do not further raise tensions in society, I made this decision." Before taking up an earlier government post in Belgrade, Vucevic had served as mayor of Novi Sad from 2012 to 2022, when renovations began at the train station. The prime minister has been in office for less than a year. More than a dozen people have been charged in connection with the Novi Sad accident, including former transport minister Goran Vesic, who resigned days after it occurred. Also read: 'If you could do it cheaper...': Trump calls DeepSeek a 'wake-up call' for US tech industry The prime minister's announcement came as thousands of protesters ended a 24-hour blockade at a major traffic intersection in Belgrade—the latest in a series of massive rallies held across the country. Protesters on Tuesday morning packed up and cleared the area at the Autokomanda junction, which links several major roads and motorways in the Serbian capital, after many camped out overnight. The blockade came after student organisers called for a general strike last Friday that saw lawyers stop work and the closure of small businesses and schools across Serbia. Students have emerged as the leaders of the protest movement and have been blockading campuses across the country for months. With pressure mounting, President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the nation Monday evening, defending his government's response to the Novi Sad tragedy and vowing to open a dialogue with the protesters. Also read: India | Eight killed, several injured in explosion at ordnance factory in Bhandara district of Maharashtra Student organisers continue to demand more action, including greater transparency into the investigation and the release of all documents linked to the renovation of the station. The government has released some documents on the roof collapse, but experts from the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Belgrade say they are incomplete. Other key demands include dropping charges against protesters arrested at rallies, an end to attacks on demonstrators, and increased government spending on education. Also read: US trying to convert QUAD into military bloc, India 'fully aware': Russia's Lavrov As premier, Vucevic was officially the head of government in Serbia, however, the position is largely considered to be subordinate to President Vucic, who has ruled the country for more than a decade. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Serbian PM resigns after mass anti-corruption protests

Thousands of Serbians protested in the capital Belgrade on Sunday against corruption and demanding justice for those killed in a train station roof collapse. Watch this report for more details!

Serbia: Protest against govt failure to take action on train station collapse

Thousands protest in Serbia over train station accident

In Serbia, angry protesters are demonstrating fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with government and policies, reflecting growing frustration among citizens over issues such as corruption, economic challenges, and perceived authoritarianism

Serbia: Thousands Protest Against Violation Of Civil Rights And Corruption | WION | World DNA

In Serbia, angry protesters have taken to the streets, demanding the arrest of President Aleksandar Vučić. The demonstrations, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with his government and policies, reflect growing frustration among citizens over issues such as corruption, economic challenges, and perceived authoritarianism.

Serbia: Thousands Turn New Year Celebration Into Anti-government Protests

London, United Kingdom
Serbian authorities have been using sophisticated digital surveillance technology to spy on journalists and activists in the Balkan country, Amnesty International said in a report published Monday. 
According to the report -- "A Digital Prison" -- Serbian authorities have deployed spyware that "provides Serbian authorities with extensive surveillance capabilities once installed on a target's device".
The report includes testimonies of a journalist and activist who accused authorities of covertly installing spyware on their devices while in custody and during an interview with officials.
"Our investigation reveals how Serbian authorities have deployed surveillance technology and digital repression tactics as instruments of wider state control and repression," said Dinushika Dissanayake, Amnesty International's deputy regional director for Europe.
The report highlights the use of the Cellebrite and NoviSpy software and forensic tools to target phones and devices belonging to members of civil society. 
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NoviSpy can be used to remotely turn on a phone's microphone or camera for recording and extracting sensitive personal data, according to Amnesty.
Cellebrite products are widely used by law enforcement agencies across the globe to unlock smartphones and search for evidence. 
Belgrade-based youth activist Nikola Ristic -- who was profiled by Amnesty in the report -- told AFP his phone was hacked by authorities after being arrested at a protest in November over a deadly railway station roof collapse. 
While in custody, Ristic said intelligence officials seized his phone and he was repeatedly told to unlock the device.
"Their behaviour and the conversation with me seemed like a charade, a cover for something else," he told AFP, adding that he did not have any compromising evidence or material stored on the phone. 
After being released, Ristic later handed over his phone to Amnesty. 
After a forensic scan, it found that Cellebrite had been used to unlock the device and NoviSpy spyware had been installed. 
"We don't actually have agencies focused on the safety of citizens, but rather spy agencies," Ristic told AFP.
Serbia's intelligence agency (BIA) dismissed the Amnesty report's claims as "absurd". 
In a separate statement, Serbian police said its forces only use forensic tools in accordance with the country's laws. 
According to Amnesty, Serbia received the phone unlocking software from Cellebrite as part of a broader package aimed at helping the country meet the requirements for European Union integration.
Independent journalists and civil society groups in Serbia have long accused the government and its allies of targeting them with defamatory statements, lawsuits, and public threats. 
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The report includes testimonies of a journalist and activist who accused authorities of covertly installing spyware on their devices while in custody and during an interview with officials.



London, United Kingdom Serbian authorities have been using sophisticated digital surveillance technology to spy on journalists and activists in the Balkan country, Amnesty International said in a report published Monday. According to the report -- "A Digital Prison" -- Serbian authorities have deployed spyware that "provides Serbian authorities with extensive surveillance capabilities once installed on a target's device". The report includes testimonies of a journalist and activist who accused authorities of covertly installing spyware on their devices while in custody and during an interview with officials. "Our investigation reveals how Serbian authorities have deployed surveillance technology and digital repression tactics as instruments of wider state control and repression," said Dinushika Dissanayake, Amnesty International's deputy regional director for Europe. The report highlights the use of the Cellebrite and NoviSpy software and forensic tools to target phones and devices belonging to members of civil society. Also read: China sentences state media journalist Dong Yuyu for 7 years in jail on spy charges NoviSpy can be used to remotely turn on a phone's microphone or camera for recording and extracting sensitive personal data, according to Amnesty. Cellebrite products are widely used by law enforcement agencies across the globe to unlock smartphones and search for evidence. Belgrade-based youth activist Nikola Ristic -- who was profiled by Amnesty in the report -- told AFP his phone was hacked by authorities after being arrested at a protest in November over a deadly railway station roof collapse. While in custody, Ristic said intelligence officials seized his phone and he was repeatedly told to unlock the device. "Their behaviour and the conversation with me seemed like a charade, a cover for something else," he told AFP, adding that he did not have any compromising evidence or material stored on the phone. After being released, Ristic later handed over his phone to Amnesty. After a forensic scan, it found that Cellebrite had been used to unlock the device and NoviSpy spyware had been installed. "We don't actually have agencies focused on the safety of citizens, but rather spy agencies," Ristic told AFP. Serbia's intelligence agency (BIA) dismissed the Amnesty report's claims as "absurd". In a separate statement, Serbian police said its forces only use forensic tools in accordance with the country's laws. According to Amnesty, Serbia received the phone unlocking software from Cellebrite as part of a broader package aimed at helping the country meet the requirements for European Union integration. Independent journalists and civil society groups in Serbia have long accused the government and its allies of targeting them with defamatory statements, lawsuits, and public threats. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Serbia authorities using spyware to track journalists and activists, Amnesty claims

Serbian authorities have been using sophisticated digital surveillance technology to spy on journalists and activists in the Balkan country, Amnesty International said in a report published Monday.&nbsp;

According to the report -- "A Digital Prison" -- Serbian authorities have deployed spyware that "provides Serbian authorities with extensive surveillance capabilities once installed on a target's device".

The report includes testimonies of a journalist and activist who accused authorities of covertly installing spyware on their devices while in custody and during an interview with officials.

"Our investigation reveals how Serbian authorities have deployed surveillance technology and digital repression tactics as instruments of wider state control and repression," said Dinushika Dissanayake, Amnesty International's deputy regional director for Europe.

The report highlights the use of the Cellebrite and NoviSpy software and forensic tools to target phones and devices belonging to members of civil society.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sentences-state-media-journalist-dong-yuyu-7-years-in-jail-over-spy-charges-780191">Also read:&nbsp;China sentences state media journalist Dong Yuyu for 7 years in jail on spy charges</a>

NoviSpy can be used to remotely turn on a phone's microphone or camera for recording and extracting sensitive personal data, according to Amnesty.

Cellebrite products are widely used by law enforcement agencies across the globe to unlock smartphones and search for evidence.&nbsp;

Belgrade-based youth activist Nikola Ristic -- who was profiled by Amnesty in the report -- told AFP his phone was hacked by authorities after being arrested at a protest in November over a deadly railway station roof collapse.&nbsp;

While in custody, Ristic said intelligence officials seized his phone and he was repeatedly told to unlock the device.

"Their behaviour and the conversation with me seemed like a charade, a cover for something else," he told AFP, adding that he did not have any compromising evidence or material stored on the phone.&nbsp;

After being released, Ristic later handed over his phone to Amnesty.&nbsp;

After a forensic scan, it found that Cellebrite had been used to unlock the device and NoviSpy spyware had been installed.&nbsp;

"We don't actually have agencies focused on the safety of citizens, but rather spy agencies," Ristic told AFP.

Serbia's intelligence agency (BIA) dismissed the Amnesty report's claims as "absurd".&nbsp;

In a separate statement, Serbian police said its forces only use forensic tools in accordance with the country's laws.&nbsp;

According to Amnesty, Serbia received the phone unlocking software from Cellebrite as part of a broader package aimed at helping the country meet the requirements for European Union integration.

Independent journalists and civil society groups in Serbia have long accused the government and its allies of targeting them with defamatory statements, lawsuits, and public threats.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Serbian authorities have been using sophisticated digital surveillance technology to spy on journalists and activists in the Balkan country, Amnesty International said in a report published Monday.

Serbian authorities have been using sophisticated digital surveillance technology to spy on journalists and activists in the Balkan country, Amnesty International said in a report published Monday. According to the report -- "A Digital Prison" -- Serbian authorities have deployed spyware that "provides Serbian authorities with extensive surveillance capabilities once installed on a target's device". The report includes testimonies of a journalist and activist who accused authorities of covertly installing spyware on their devices while in custody and during an interview with officials. "Our investigation reveals how Serbian authorities have deployed surveillance technology and digital repression tactics as instruments of wider state control and repression," said Dinushika Dissanayake, Amnesty International's deputy regional director for Europe. The report highlights the use of the Cellebrite and NoviSpy software and forensic tools to target phones and devices belonging to members of civil society. Also read: China sentences state media journalist Dong Yuyu for 7 years in jail on spy charges NoviSpy can be used to remotely turn on a phone's microphone or camera for recording and extracting sensitive personal data, according to Amnesty. Cellebrite products are widely used by law enforcement agencies across the globe to unlock smartphones and search for evidence. Belgrade-based youth activist Nikola Ristic -- who was profiled by Amnesty in the report -- told AFP his phone was hacked by authorities after being arrested at a protest in November over a deadly railway station roof collapse. While in custody, Ristic said intelligence officials seized his phone and he was repeatedly told to unlock the device. "Their behaviour and the conversation with me seemed like a charade, a cover for something else," he told AFP, adding that he did not have any compromising evidence or material stored on the phone. After being released, Ristic later handed over his phone to Amnesty. After a forensic scan, it found that Cellebrite had been used to unlock the device and NoviSpy spyware had been installed. "We don't actually have agencies focused on the safety of citizens, but rather spy agencies," Ristic told AFP. Serbia's intelligence agency (BIA) dismissed the Amnesty report's claims as "absurd". In a separate statement, Serbian police said its forces only use forensic tools in accordance with the country's laws. According to Amnesty, Serbia received the phone unlocking software from Cellebrite as part of a broader package aimed at helping the country meet the requirements for European Union integration. Independent journalists and civil society groups in Serbia have long accused the government and its allies of targeting them with defamatory statements, lawsuits, and public threats. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A violent brawl broke out in Serbia's parliament Monday between government ministers and opposition MPs protesting a deadly building collapse. Opposition wanted to discuss who was responsible for crash that killed 15 people at the station in the northern city of Novi Sad on Nov. 1. Watch to know more!

Serbia: Fists Fly As Massive Brawl Erupts In Parliament Over Roof Collapse | World DNA

In Serbia, protesters demand the resignation of Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, citing dissatisfaction with her government’s policies and handling of key national issues.

Serbia: Protestors Seek Resignation Of Serbian PM

In Serbia, angry protesters have taken to the streets, demanding the arrest of President Aleksandar Vučić. The demonstrations, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with his government and policies, reflect growing frustration among citizens over issues such as corruption, economic challenges, and perceived authoritarianism. The unrest marks a significant moment in Serbian politics, as calls for accountability and change intensify amid a backdrop of social discontent.

Serbia: Angry Protestors Call For President Vučić's Arrest

A tragic incident took place in Serbia where a roof collapsed at a railway station killed at least 14 people. Watch to know more.

Serbia: Railway Station Roof Collapses In Serbia

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