Anti-government protests in Serbia escalated into violence on August 17, 2025, as demonstrators clashed with riot police in multiple cities. The unrest primarily unfolded in Belgrade and Valjevo, where tensions reached a boiling point amid widespread discontent with the government’s policies. Al Jazeera’s NewsFeed was on the ground bringing viewers into the chaos as protesters flooded the streets of their city demanding a change.
What started as peaceful protests soon turned chaotic as riot police met simmering tensions with escalating force. In Belgrade, the capital city, demonstrators battled with police in several areas. These dangerous confrontations both resulted in injuries for police and protesters alike. Local governments sent in even more security personnel to repress the protests and restore social order.
In Valjevo, the scene mirrored that of Belgrade, with protesters expressing their frustrations over economic challenges and perceived governmental negligence. Police responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets, which escalated the situation and caused further clashes. In the first, their goal was separating the mobs. Eyewitness descriptions reported a charged scene, as protesters marched and yelled “shut down the government” and as cops fought to regain control.
The unrest in Serbia is part of a broader wave of dissatisfaction among citizens regarding various social and economic issues. Statewide, residents have addressed issues such as increased cost of living, rise in unemployment, and opacity in how the government functions. This discontent has fueled a series of protests across the country in recent months, culminating in the violent clashes witnessed on August 17.
While the situation there remains very volatile, government leaders are encouraging discussions to begin to heal the wounds represented by the protesters’ violent but powerful message. Law enforcement’s militarized response to protests across the country has drawn condemnation from groups including Amnesty International and the ACLU. They are calling on the government to honour citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.
