Anti-government protesters clash with riot police in Serbia

Tensions in Serbia escalated over the weekend as anti-government protesters clashed violently with riot police in Belgrade, as they called for snap elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic's 12-year rule.

Tens of thousands of people gathered after months of nationwide anti-corruption and student-led demonstrations, with protesters hurling flares and rocks at riot police stationed around government buildings and elsewhere.

Police responded with pepper spray and forcefully broke up groups in multiple locations.

Several dozen protesters were detained, while at least six officers sustained injuries during the confrontations.

Opposition activists and students have intensified their campaign, demanding early parliamentary elections and accountability following the deadly Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse last November that killed 16 people. Protesters blame corruption for the disaster.

Serbian President Vucic denounced the clashes, saying protesters were attempting to "topple Serbia" but "failed."