Police, Gendarmerie lash out at protesters in Belgrade

Belgrade police and Gendarmerie troopers in riot gear pushed back the crowd and media crews from the Rectorate building several times before withdrawing down the street to Republic Square to deploy in the street, stopping traffic and pushing back protesters. The police and Gendarmerie troopers all wore masks over their faces. Gendarmerie vehicles were withdrawn and police in riot gear were deployed in the streets around both squares

Multiple incidents with police reacting violently were reported both at Student Square and down the road at Republic Square in the hours before a 7 pm protest that was called over the police raid.

The crowd constantly chanted offensive remarks including the initials of the Serbian president AV in imitation of a dog barking and calling the police and Gendarmerie traitors.

Live coverage showed both the Gendarmerie troopers and police lashing out at members of the crowd with batons injuring several people and the arrest of a young man who was injured.