Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed his satisfaction with the large protest that took place in Belgrade today, noting the “immense negative energy, anger, and rage directed at the authorities,” while also pointing out that there were no casualties or significant injuries.

He reported that 22 individuals were detained for offenses against personal and state property, as well as for assaults against police and other individuals.

During a press conference held at the Palace of Serbia, Vučić mentioned that 44 people sought assistance at the emergency center, with 11 at Zvezdara Clinical Hospital, and one at Zemun.

He informed that a confrontation occurred among protesters at Nikola Pašić Square, resulting in one serious injury, but assured that the injured individual was not in life-threatening condition.

According to Vučić, the army estimated attendance at the protest to be around 88,000, while police figures reached 107,000, with the BIA suggesting a number that fell between the two. “An unexpectedly large turnout came from across the country,” he noted.

He condemned accusations suggesting that a “sound cannon” was deployed, referring to them as disgraceful, and clarified that special forces were equipped with “standard anti-drone rifles.”

Vučić stated that the use of tractors to halt the crowd at Pioneer Park was pivotal in averting bloodshed.

He reiterated suspicions that the protest aimed to instigate a “colored revolution.” However, he expressed pride in the fact that “99 percent” of participating students did not seek to incite violence.

“I hold a poor view of those who infringe upon constitutionally guaranteed freedom of movement. Though I have my reservations about their political maneuvers, I find comfort in realizing that nearly all of these young people chose not to partake in any violent measures. They exited the rally after the initial scuffles and, after disagreements with opposition activists, declared ‘this is no longer ours’ upon recognizing their loss of control over the gathering,” he remarked.

Vučić asserted that the message was well understood and highlighted the need for those in power to grasp the significance of such large gatherings. “We must change ourselves and learn substantially,” he stated.

Nevertheless, he mentioned that the citizens of Serbia do not desire “colored revolutions” or violence but seek to enact change through elections.

He concluded that “Serbia triumphed today” by maintaining peace and addressing many underlying issues. Furthermore, he indicated that authorities believe a so-called “shack” exists in the city center where members of a criminal cohort—unaffiliated with politicians or students—might be stockpiling weapons.

News