Protests in Serbia: students beaten by police
In Serbia, the student protests against Aleksandar Vučić's government are gaining force - as is the state's reaction: police have used batons against students blocking access to television broadcasters in Belgrade and Novi Sad. Up to now the wave of protests that began in November has been mostly peaceful. Commentators assess the political situation in light of this escalation.
Vučić showing his true colours
The police brutality is just the beginning, fears Vreme:
“The government is cracking down on the student protests and the citizens' rebellion. ... Vučić announced brutal measures, mass arrests and prosecution for attempts to overthrow the constitutional order, for which prison sentences of several years are envisaged. He is no longer playing the nice guy, showing patience or understanding - the regime has dropped its mask because if it doesn't it won't be able to contain the citizens' resistance and the rebellion seeping into the pores of the ruling party's power. It is resorting to intimidation and threats of brute force ... Serbia's civil courage is once again facing a major test.”
Not afraid of becoming a pariah
Aleksandar Vučić needn't worry about his international reputation despite the police brutality, Jutarnji list observes:
“The European Union tolerates all his antics. And last week he had a phone call with Vladimir Putin - and naturally the Kremlin assured him of its support. And why wouldn't it when Putin kills all his critics, while Vučić - at least so far - has only beaten them up? In return he promised to visit Moscow - for the first time since November 2021 - to attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory against the Nazis. And on Tuesday Donald Trump Jr. landed in Belgrade - certainly not to support the students.”