The second night of protests in Serbia brought barricades to the streets of Belgrade and other cities, with thousands of people taking to the streets following the massive demonstrations on Saturday.
The movement was triggered by a tragedy that occurred in November at the Novi Sad train station, where the collapse of the roof resulted in the death of 16 people. Protesters accuse endemic corruption and demand early elections, while authorities respond with arrests and reprisals.
On Sunday evening, thousands of demonstrators erected barricades and occupied key intersections in the capital, including Autokomanda, where they set up tents to spend the night.
Similar images have been shared from Novi Sad and other cities, where students have erected barricades made of trash cans and fences.
The anti-corruption movement has called for the continuation of protests after dozens of people were arrested on Saturday.
Vucic refuses elections and accuses "terror"
President Aleksandar Vucic firmly rejected the protesters' demands, stating in a televised speech that "Serbia has won, and you cannot defeat Serbia through violence."
He accused the student protest movement of sowing "terror" and announced that there will be no early elections before the end of 2026.
According to authorities, 48 police officers were injured on Saturday, one in critical condition, and 22 people required medical care.
Police reported 77 arrests, and another eight individuals were detained on Sunday for "attempting violent destabilization of the state."
Vucic promised "many more arrests" to come and rejected the idea of negotiating with those he considers "terrorists."
The revolt continues: "Now is not the time to withdraw"
Protest organizers urged people to gather in front of the prosecutor's office and demand the release of those arrested. Over 2,000 people responded to the call.
In a statement addressed to the crowd, movement leaders stated that "authorities had all the means to respond to the demands and prevent escalation, but chose to resort to force."
The protests come amid Vucic's repeated accusations of a foreign plot against his government. Nevertheless, popular outrage has already led to the resignation of the prime minister and a government reshuffle.
Observers say repression has become a common practice ahead of large-scale protests.