Serbia’s political tensions escalated this week after a night of violent clashes between police, government supporters and anti-government protesters left dozens injured and triggered accusations that the army had intervened to defend the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
The most serious unrest unfolded in Novi Sad late on Aug. 13, where opposition groups say plainclothes soldiers and elite military police from the “Cobra” unit joined SNS loyalists in confronting demonstrators. Videos shared online showed masked men attacking protesters with sticks, fireworks and stones.
Prime Minister Djuro Macut appealed on Wednesday for restraint from all sides, warning that Serbia’s stability was at stake. “Only through reason, patience and mutual respect can we achieve peace and stability,” Macut said in a written statement, adding that political disputes should be resolved “through elections as prescribed by law.” He praised the police for “dedication and responsibility” in containing the violence.
Opposition alleges ‘historic abuse’ of army
Dragan Djilas, leader of the Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP), called the events “the most dangerous abuse of state institutions in modern Serbian history.” In a statement, he accused the government of sending army personnel onto the streets alongside “SNS hooligans” to attack citizens, claiming they were disguised as party activists and that some used firearms.
Djilas singled out Djuro Jovanic, head of the Military Security Agency, who confirmed that soldiers had been deployed in Novi Sad. “Tell the public what state duty they were carrying out last night,” Djilas said, calling it a breach of the constitution, which bars the military from partisan activity.
Ana Brnabic, parliament speaker and senior SNS official, defended the party’s actions, saying members in Novi Sad “defended themselves” from what she described as “blockaders” and “paid media mercenaries.”
Army role questioned
Jovanic said seven members of the elite Cobra unit were injured, four seriously, during the clashes. Former army officer Petar Boskovic said the unit had again been “misused” for political purposes and should not be under the military security agency’s command. “The Cobras report directly to the chief of the general staff. This was a political deployment,” he told local media.
Opposition parties in Novi Sad jointly condemned what they said was “unacceptable use of official army weapons against citizens” and demanded an independent investigation to identify who ordered the deployment.
Police accused of siding with ruling party
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic reported 27 police officers injured nationwide and 47 misdemeanour and five criminal charges filed. He said police had prevented possible fatalities during coordinated attacks on SNS offices in multiple cities.
Opposition figures accused the police of receiving orders from President Aleksandar Vucic’s brother Andrej and protecting armed government loyalists. “Police shielded thugs who attacked students and citizens with sticks, iron bars and pyrotechnics,” said Srdjan Milivojevic of the Democratic Party.
Calls for Vucic to resign
Pavle Grbovic of the Free Citizens Movement said there was “no justification” for Cobra troops to defend party offices, arguing the president was trying to “demonstrate force” but instead showed “immaturity and unfitness for office.” The LibDem political group said Vucic bore “primary responsibility” for the crisis and should step down.
The Greens-Left Front, which said its activists were on the streets alongside protesters, accused police of deliberately failing to stop violence by ruling party supporters. “This is part of a planned campaign of intimidation prepared for days in advance,” the party said.
Broader unrest
The night of violence followed weeks of anti-government demonstrations over corruption, media control and alleged election irregularities. Opposition parties say the unrest marks a dangerous turning point, with the army’s involvement signalling a slide toward deeper authoritarianism.
The Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office has instructed all prosecutors to “fully exercise their legal powers” to restore public order. But critics doubt that any investigation will be independent.
“This was not just a clash between citizens,” Djilas said. “It was the use of the state’s armed forces for the benefit of a political party – a red line that has now been crossed.”