Serbia Protests agains COVID-19 restrictions, 36 injured

Dozens of police and protesters have been hurt in riots that broke out outside the National Assembly in the Serbian capital Belgrade. Report informs citing the BBC.

The protests began peacefully on Tuesday evening and included students and families, angered by a move to re-impose a weekend curfew because of a rise in coronavirus infections.

Protesters broke into the assembly, prompting police to intervene.

Clashes erupted, and police fired tear gas to disperse the protesters.

Far-right nationalists have been blamed for stirring up the unrest and storming the assembly building. Serbian media said they included an MP who has pushed anti-vaccine and anti-5G conspiracy theories.

On Wednesday, Serbian President Alexander Vucic condemned what he described as the most brutal political violence for years and appealed for the protests to end, citing the risk of increased infection.

On Wednesday evening, police again clashed with protesters, firing teargas as bottles, stones, and flares were thrown from the crowd.