Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said late on Thursday that there would be more arrests following violent protests in several cities, including Belgrade and Novi Sad, which left dozens injured.
Speaking on national television, Vučić said police would show “no mercy” to those he described as “thugs and hooligans” involved in attacks on officers and damage to party offices. He said at the height of the Belgrade protests there were fewer than 3,100 participants.
Vučić claimed that in Novi Sad, protesters attempted to set fire to a building with around 300 ruling party supporters inside, calling it a “near tragedy” averted by police. He said one officer from the Criminal Police Directorate was seriously injured and that 16 police officers were hurt nationwide, along with scores of civilians.
The president also announced sweeping changes “from the government to the police” and urged supporters to remain calm, saying there would be no civil war. “As long as blood runs through my veins, I will defend and protect Serbia,” Vučić told the crowd.