(Adnkronos) – At least three people were injured today at the Serbian parliament building after opposition MPs threw flares and smoke bombs during a chaotic session in which Prime Minister Milos Vucevic’s resignation was confirmed.
Serbia has been hit by months of student-led anti-corruption protests, which began after the collapse of a recently renovated roof over a railway station in Novi Sad last year killed 15 people. The protest movement has put increasing pressure on the Serbian government and President Aleksandar Vucic, leading to the resignations of several senior officials, including the prime minister in January.
Today’s session was the first since Prime Minister Vucevic’s resignation. Some opposition MPs tried to physically confront Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic, who was hit with water, while government ministers were attacked with various objects. “Serbia has risen to bring down the regime,” read a banner unfurled by opposition MPs during the session, a reference to marches against the government and President Vucic. (continued)
Parliament was also due to discuss a new higher education bill that would reduce university fees for students, a demand of the protesters. After opposition members threw eggs and water at members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, the speaker of parliament said the vote would go ahead anyway. “Are you defending the students’ demands in this way?” Ana Brnabic asked during the session.
Among the injured – Brnabic announced – is MP Jasmina Obradovic of the Serbian Progressive Party, allegedly hit by a stun grenade. President Aleksandar Vucic visited Obradovic in hospital and said he was confident she would recover despite her serious injuries. “I believe in her strength. Jasmina will win, Serbia will win,” he wrote on social media.
