Serbian authorities detained nine serving police officers and one former officer in Belgrade
Serbian authorities detained nine serving and one former police officer over alleged excessive force against detainees at last year’s anti-corruption protests in Belgrade, the Interior Ministry said. The ministry said the suspects allegedly tortured and intimidated people held in a garage at a government complex on August 14–15, 2025. Reuters described the detentions as first major arrests tied to protest violence.
More context
Serbian authorities detained nine serving police officers and one former officer on Wednesday over allegations of excessive force against people held during anti-corruption protests in Belgrade last year, the Interior Ministry said. The ministry said the suspects served in an elite police unit and alleged they tortured and intimidated several people held in a garage at a government complex in central Belgrade on August 14–15, 2025. Reuters reported that the ministry provided only the detainees’ initials and described the arrests as the first major ones linked to violence against protesters over the past two years. Police used tear gas, crowd-control vehicles and stun grenades during the demonstrations. Dozens of students and activists have accused police of excessive force that caused injuries and psychological trauma.
Was this story useful?
What was the main problem? (optional)
Reporting
- Internazionale (with Reuters) — Serbia detains police officers over alleged use of force against protesters - Internazionale
- Reuters — Serbia detains police officers over alleged use of force against protesters
- UA News — Serbia detains 10 police officers over suspected torture of protesters | UA.NEWS
- Demokratis — Serbia Detains 10 Officers Over Protester Torture Allegations
- Mezha — Serbia detains nine serving and one former police officer over alleged protester abuse
- kiprinform.com — Serbia Detains Ten Police Officers Over Alleged Abuse of Detainees During Belgrade Protests – Cyprus Inform
Verifier’s note
Reuters reports the detention of nine serving officers and one former officer over alleged excessive force against protesters; Internazionale reproduces the Reuters report, and UA.NEWS, Cyprus Inform, Demokratis, and Mezha also report the same detention. UA.NEWS explicitly attributes its account to The Guardian, while the other results provide no clear evidence of independent reporting.