Over 40 Serbian policemen injured in riots in Belgrade over COVID-19 response

Over 40 Serbian policemen injured in riots in Belgrade over COVID-19 response
# 08 July 2020 10:45 (UTC +04:00)

Thousands of protesters fought running battles with police and tried to storm the parliament building in Belgrade on Tuesday after the Serbian president announced that a coronavirus lockdown will be reintroduced in the Balkan country, APA reports citing PTC.

Police fired several rounds of tear gas at the protesters, some chanting “Resignation! Resignation!" as they gathered in front of the downtown parliament building in the Serbian capital. Some of the protesters briefly managed to enter the parliament by force, but were pushed back by riot police.

The protesters responded by hurling flares, stones, bottles and eggs at the police. Several clashes erupted between some of the most extremist rioters apparently belonging to far-right groups and the baton-wielding police.

Protesters also clashed with police in front of the state TV building. The broadcaster is accused by the opposition of having a pro-government bias.

A number of police vehicles were set on fire.

Serbian police director Vladimir Rebic told the state television that a number of demonstrators have been detained and police officers injured, but did not specify how many. He said smaller protests were also held in other Serbian cities.

“I appeal to the citizens ... to help ease the tensions,” Rebic said. “I'm certain police will respond adequately and prevent any form of hooligan behavior.”

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