Serbia detains police over protester force
The gist
Serbian authorities detained nine active police officers and one former officer over alleged excessive force against detainees.
The case tests accountability for Serbia's security apparatus as the student movement takes power.
How it unfolded
- Jun 28, 2025Riot police clashed with protesters at the end of a massive anti-government rally in Belgrade demanding an early parliamentary election; police used pepper spray, batons and shields while protesters threw rocks and bottles.
- Jun 29, 2025Serbia's president announced more arrests after the clashes; police said 48 officers were injured and 22 protesters sought medical help, and of 77 people detained, 38 remained in custody, per Interior Minister Ivica Dacic.
- Aug 15, 2025Serbia's police said they detained hundreds of demonstrators in anti-government protests across the country that week; the three days of clashes left dozens injured or detained.