Protesters have clashed with riot police in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, and other cities, on the fifth consecutive night of demonstrations against the government of right-wing President Aleksandar Vucic.
Clashes also broke out in Belgrade late on Saturday after police stopped demonstrators heading for the governing Serbian Progressive Party’s (SNS) headquarters.
Late on Saturday, thousands gathered in the central city of Valjevo to show their growing anger against the government, while a small group of masked young men attacked the empty offices of the governing SNS party, setting them alight.
They subsequently clashed with riot police, with protesters throwing fireworks and rocks as the officers responded with stun grenades and tear gas.
Some clashes were also reported in the northern city of Novi Sad, the country’s second largest.
Almost daily protests have gripped Serbia since November, following the collapse of a railway station roof that killed 16 people.
The tragedy became a symbol of deep-rooted corruption in the Balkan nation, with demands for a transparent investigation growing into calls for early elections.
At their height, the protests drew hundreds of thousands onto the streets.
However, the mostly peaceful demonstrations deteriorated earlier this week when large groups of pro-government supporters – many masked and some armed with batons and fireworks – attacked protesters.
That has led to violent clashes for several nights, leaving many injured on both sides.
Protests were further heightened after several videos shared online showed police striking unarmed demonstrators with batons.
Police have denied allegations of brutality, accusing demonstrators of attacking officers.
While the protests have so far led to the resignation of the prime minister and the collapse of the government, President Vucic has remained defiant.
He has repeatedly rejected calls for early elections and denounced the demonstrations as part of a foreign plot to overthrow him.
