Anti-government protests in Serbia draw thousands to the streets, led by students

Thousands of people took part in anti-government protests in the Serbian capital on Saturday. The rally, led by university students, called for early elections. Al Jazeera reported.

The anti-corruption movement in the country began after 16 people were killed in the Novi Sad railway station accident in November last year. Amid continuous protests demanding a transparent investigation into the incident, then Prime Minister Milos Vucevic was forced to resign.

Later, President Aleksandar Vucic took a hardline stance against the protesters. At one stage, students were forced to leave the streets. However, Saturday’s protest has once again intensified tensions in the country.

According to an AP report, although temporarily slowed by crackdowns, the anti-corruption movement led by students has gradually turned into a major political campaign. Protesters are now calling on Vucic to announce early elections.

This week, Vucic said elections could be held between September and November this year. However, he did not provide any specific outline.