Serbia arrests police over excessive violence against student protesters
The police officers are accused of having used excessive force and violence against student protesters during anti-government protests last year.
Nine Serbian police officers, including former officials, have been arrested for allegedly employing excessive force and torture against student protesters during anti-government demonstrations in Belgrade last year, according to the Interior Ministry. Police detained the suspects on suspicion of abuse, torture, and unlawful punishment, with the force used to extract information and intimidate demonstrators.
The alleged incident occurred at a garage within a government building, where the officers reportedly inflicted severe pain on several injured individuals. Igor Zmiric, commander of Serbia's special anti-terrorist unit, was among those detained. Student activist Nikolina Sindjelic, who was previously arrested during the protests, accused Zmiric of kicking her while she was lying on the garage floor.
The protests initially erupted following a deadly accident at a recently renovated railway station in August 2024, which sparked widespread demonstrations and scrutiny over government accountability and corruption. The Student List, a student-led movement that emerged from months of protests, emerged as the country's most influential political force after securing victory in the parliamentary elections held at the end of last month, marking their defeat of long-standing leader Aleksandar Vučić.
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