Students across Serbia have called for protests Friday evening, following allegations that police used excessive force against civilians during demonstrations the previous night.
Footage from several cities has sparked outrage, showing police officers beating people in Valjevo, Belgrade, Novi Sad and Niš.
17:51 – Police in Valjevo accused of dragging civilians from cafes and beating them
Lawyer Jana Aćimović Planojević, who represents several minors allegedly assaulted by police in Valjevo, told news portal Nova.rs that officers used “unprecedented force” on youths who did not resist arrest. She said police detained anyone they encountered, including people pulled from cafes and beaten.
17:48 – Protests planned in cities nationwide
In Belgrade, rallies are scheduled at four locations. In Novi Sad, demonstrators are set to gather outside the local police department in Kraljevića Marka Street at 7:30 p.m., according to social media announcements. Organisers published a list of other cities where protests will take place.
17:46 – Four protest sites in Belgrade tonight
Protest locations in the capital include central squares and key intersections, with large turnouts expected.