Serbian opposition lawmakers set off smoke grenades and tear gas inside parliament on Tuesday in a demonstration against the government and in support of student-led protests. Amid the commotion, one legislator suffered a stroke.
For the past four months, students have led protests that have drawn support from teachers, farmers, and other groups, forming the most significant challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic’s decade-long rule. Many citizens have voiced concerns over corruption and government inefficiency.
Opposition legislators rushed towards the parliamentary speaker during the legislative session, battling with security officers after the agenda was accepted by the ruling coalition, which was led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
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Others set off smoke grenades and tear gas, filling the chamber with black and pink smoke, as seen on live television. The Serbian parliament has seen disruptions before, including physical altercations and water-throwing incidents since the introduction of multi-party democracy in 1990.
Speaker Ana Brnabic reported that two lawmakers were injured. One of them, Jasmina Obradovic of the SNS, suffered a stroke and remained in critical condition. “The parliament will continue to work and to defend Serbia,” she stated.
Despite the disruption, the session proceeded, with ruling coalition members debating while opposition lawmakers whistled and blew horns. Some opposition members held signs that read “general strike” and “justice for the killed.” Outside the building, protesters observed a moment of silence for the 15 people who died in a railway station roof collapse, the event that initially ignited the protest movement.
Protest organizers have called for a large rally in Belgrade on March 15.
Meanwhile, the ruling coalition has claimed that Western intelligence agencies are backing the protests in an attempt to destabilize Serbia and overthrow the government.
Parliament was set to approve a law Tuesday that would increase university funding, a key demand of the students who have been blocking faculties since December. It was also expected to acknowledge the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, but other items added to the agenda by the ruling coalition sparked anger among opposition lawmakers.
(CNN)
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