On Wednesday, Serbian authorities detained nine active police officers and one former officer for allegedly using excessive force against protesters during anti-corruption demonstrations in Belgrade. The Interior Ministry claimed that the suspects were detained in the garage of the government compound after the protests in 2025 and 2026.
Anti-corruption protests swept across Serbia, a candidate for European Union membership, in 2025 and 2026 after 16 people died when a concrete canopy on a renovated railway station in the city of Novi Sad collapsed on November 1, 2024.
The protests were sparked by the collapse of the concrete canopy, which resulted in 16 deaths. The incident led to a surge in anti-corruption demonstrations across the country.
The Interior Ministry's claim that the suspects were detained for allegedly using excessive force against protesters is a matter of concern. The incident highlights the need for proper training and supervision of police officers to prevent such incidents from occurring.
It is important to note that the Interior Ministry's claim is based on the allegations of the suspects, and the validity of these claims is yet to be confirmed. The public should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of the Serbian government's anti-corruption measures and the need for further investigation into the cause of the collapse of the concrete canopy.