Protests began on the night of 8 July, following the imposition of curfews in Belgrade. An action was held in front of Parliament against the reintroduction of restrictions due to the coronavirus, which escalated into riots: the protesters managed to break into the building and almost 60 people were injured.
The action took place after the introduction of curfews in the Serbian capital: according to the plans of the authorities, people will be forbidden to leave their homes from 6 p.m. on Friday until 5 a.m. on Monday.
Against the backdrop of continuing street riots in Belgrade, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday evening, July 8, that he was ready to reconsider the decision to introduce a curfew. Vucic promised that the capital would “definitely” tighten restrictions aimed at fighting the pandemic.
Demonstrators gathered at the Serbian parliament demanded Vucic’s resignation. The president’s critics accuse him of having predetermined a second wave of Coronavirus infections a few weeks ago, when he sharply eased the pandemic restrictions, allowing him to hold parliamentary elections on 21 June.