Serbian authorities have arrested ten police officers—including one former officer—accused of torturing and intimidating protesters held in a government compound during anti-corruption demonstrations. The detentions follow allegations of excessive force against detainees amid widespread protests that erupted after a deadly collapse at a railway station in late 2024. The unrest, which spread across Serbia as the country pursues EU membership, stemmed from public outrage over the tragedy and broader corruption concerns. The interior ministry’s claims mark a rare official acknowledgment of abuse linked to the crackdown on dissent.
Interior ministry claims suspects tortured and intimidated protesters detained in garage of government compoundSerbian authorities detained nine active police officers and one former officer on Wednesday for allegedly using excessive force against detainees during anti-corruption protests last year in Belgrade, the country’s interior ministry said.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 1 November 2024. Continue reading...
