Fact Check: "Police used tear gas and stun grenades against protesters in Belgrade."
What We Know
On June 28, 2025, a significant protest occurred in Belgrade, Serbia, where approximately 140,000 demonstrators gathered to demand early elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic's lengthy rule. This protest was part of a series of ongoing demonstrations primarily led by students, which have been escalating since late 2022 due to public dissatisfaction with government corruption and negligence, particularly following a tragic infrastructure collapse that resulted in multiple fatalities (BBC, Al Jazeera).
During the protest, riot police were reported to have used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd, leading to clashes between law enforcement and protesters. This use of force resulted in dozens of arrests and injuries among both protesters and police officers (DW, France24).
Analysis
The claim that police used tear gas and stun grenades against protesters in Belgrade is supported by multiple credible sources. Reports from BBC and Al Jazeera confirm the deployment of these crowd control measures during the protests. Additionally, eyewitness accounts from journalists corroborate the use of tear gas and stun grenades, indicating that this was not merely a rumor but a documented event (DW).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The reports include direct observations from the scene and statements from police officials, which lend further credibility to the claims made.
However, it is essential to consider the context of these protests. The Serbian government, led by President Vucic, has faced accusations of authoritarianism and corruption, which may influence how events are reported and perceived. Nonetheless, the evidence presented is consistent across multiple outlets, reinforcing the accuracy of the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that police used tear gas and stun grenades against protesters in Belgrade is True. This conclusion is based on multiple credible sources that confirm the use of these crowd control measures during the protests, alongside eyewitness accounts and official statements from law enforcement.
