Serbian Government Faces Allegations of Using Tear Gas Against Students

In a disturbing turn of events, the Serbian government and police are under scrutiny following allegations of using tear gas against students during a protest in Novi Sad on September 5. The demonstration, which sought to express dissent against government policies, reportedly escalated into clashes between protesters and law enforcement.

Students from the University of Novi Sad have claimed that independent laboratory tests indicated the use of chloracetophenone (CN), a type of tear gas developed in the 19th century, during the protest. This chemical, recognized as a precursor to the less harmful CS gas, is categorized as a chemical weapon and is banned under international conventions, having been utilized in conflicts such as the Vietnam War.

Witnesses recounted distressing scenes where both students and police officers experienced severe reactions, including vomiting, after exposure to the gas. In the aftermath, students have called for a criminal investigation into the incident, condemning the police's actions as an egregious violation of civil rights. In a statement, they emphasized that the deployment of CN gas is not a legitimate means of crowd control but rather a toxic assault on citizens.

In response, the Serbian Interior Ministry has firmly denied these allegations, asserting that they acted within the bounds of the law. Reports from the protest indicate that students were throwing stones and bottles, leading police to employ batons and tear gas in an effort to disperse the crowd.

This incident adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing political climate in Serbia, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic. In recent months, Vucic has faced mounting criticism for his increasingly aggressive rhetoric towards opposition protests, which have been fueled by calls for new elections. Just last month, he publicly chastised police for not taking stronger measures against demonstrators, labeling them as 'terrorists' allegedly acting on behalf of Western interests.

Vucic, who has a controversial history as a former information minister under the regime of Slobodan Milosevic, has drawn further criticism for his closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin, having met with him multiple times this year. His administration's ties with Beijing have also raised eyebrows, contributing to concerns about transparency and governance in Serbia.

The backdrop of these protests can be traced to a tragic incident earlier this year, where the collapse of a train station roof in Novi Sad resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals, igniting nationwide anti-corruption demonstrations. As tensions continue to simmer, residents of Belgrade are anxiously anticipating a military parade scheduled for Saturday, fearing potential escalations in the situation.