Massive anti-government protest in Serbia’s capital leads to dozens of arrests
PBS NewsHourJUN 30
Anti-Government Protesters Set Up Roadblocks Across Serbia
Above: Riot police clash with anti-government protesters in central Belgrade on June 28, 2025. Image copyright: Marko Djokovic/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Government-critical narrative
The peaceful rally in Belgrade only turned violent after provocateurs linked to the Vučić regime gave police a pretext to crack down on protesters in a disproportionate and brutal response designed to intimidate the opposition. It will backfire, though, as nonviolent resistance will continue.
Pro-government narrative
The so-called demonstrators are terrorists acting on behalf of opposition leaders who have called for civil war and attacks against police in their illegitimate power-grab attempt, so the violence seen over the weekend was widely expected. Thanks to the brave police officers, the gravest consequences have been averted, and Serbia has emerged victorious.